WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) yesterday released the following statement regarding efforts in the U.S. Senate to repeal the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare.
“I have always voted for legislation to repeal the Affordable Care Act. I will continue to work with my colleagues as the Senate considers legislation to end Obamacare mandates, regulations, and taxes weighing down the American health care system.
“I will do my best to make the right decisions for the people of Mississippi and our nation.”
The Senate Majority Leader late Monday indicated that the Senate will consider legislation to repeal of Obamacare with a two-year delay to give Congress opportunities to implement reforms to improve access to affordable healthcare. Cochran voted for similar legislation in December 2015.
Since its enactment, Obamacare has resulted in less accessible and more expensive health plans for Mississippians. Those choosing not to adhere to the Obamacare mandate to purchase health insurance have been subjected to the individual mandate tax penalty. In 2014, almost 78,000 Mississippians who filed tax returns were forced to pay more than $15.1 million in tax penalties—86.5 percent of whom had annual incomes below $50,000.
