Repeal Obamacare’s Individual Mandate To Pay For ‘Doc Fix’

Today, I announced plans to offer an amendment to H.R. 2, House-passed legislation addressing the so-called “doc fix.” This amendment would fully pay for the legislation by repealing Obamacare’s individual mandate.

Prior to offering this amendment, I outlined my argument for it in remarks on the Senate floor. Excerpts of those remarks are below.

Hopefully we will be able to pass this legislation and … give physicians and health care providers the certainty they need about the reimbursement rates under Medicare, and thus will allow more of them to see more seniors and provide them health care benefits under Medicare.

This legislation provides our health care professionals with a predictable expectation for reimbursement rates, an idea that only sadly had been a dream for many physicians in Texas and across the country and one that Congress can now – and should – make a reality.

Today I plan on offering an amendment that would keep our country from going into a greater debt by offering that pay-for for this piece of legislation.

My amendment that would offer to pay for this bill would repeal the mandate that then-Senator Obama, candidate for President, was so critical of. It would repeal a tax on the American people that coerces our citizens into purchasing health care that they apparently don't want or they wouldn't otherwise buy but for the government.

This mandate is bad for America and it hurts people instead of giving them the helping hand they need when it comes to health care. So we're going to have a lot more to say about how we need to repeal and replace Obamacare with more affordable health insurance that gives people access to the doctors and the services they want and need.