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Faso supports 'makeover' of Affordable Care Act

Jan 10, 2017 6:45 am

Victoria Addison is reporting in the Register-Star newly sworn U.S. Rep. John Faso has indicated his intention to support a "makeover" of the Affordable Care Act. In a recent interview, the Kinderhook Republican said he supports the parts of the legislation that guarantee coverage to anyone with a pre-existing condition and allowing children to remain on their parent's insurance until age 26. However, Faso said, the government "...came up with a federalized approach that has resulted in massive premium increases for individuals and businesses, which is making insurance unaffordable for many.” Faso wants to see association health plans offered again for small businesses. He said a more consumer friendly design is needed to help restore affordable relationships between patients and doctors. Faso also said Medicaid should be protected. He supports health savings and flex spending accounts as a way to set aside pre-tax dollars for dental, eye or chiropractic services. “The advantage of this is it puts the consumer in the position of becoming an intelligent consumer because you are always smarter about spending money when you are spending your own money,” Faso said. Asked about defunding Planned Parenthood, Faso said he agrees with the current law that prohibits the use of certain federal funds to pay for abortion except to save the life of the woman, or if the pregnancy arises from incest or rape, but believes financial support "should be maintained for women's health services, especially to help poorer communities." Read the full story in the Register-Star.