New Hampshire’s two Democratic congresswomen are defending their vote on a Republican-backed bill that critics say undercuts a core provision of the Affordable Care Act.
Both Carol Shea-Porter and Ann McLane Kuster were staunch supporters of the Affordable Care Act and they insist their support for a bill that would allow any consumer to buy insurance policies deemed noncompliant is in the public interest.
Here’s Ann McLane Kuster.
“I want to fix it. I want to make sure that we bring down the cost of healthcare, and provide access for every Granite State family.”
Critics say such a law, which has no chance for passing the Democratically-controlled Senate, could undermine protections for consumers and drive up costs. Carol Shea-Porter says she thinks that concern was overstated.
“I voted for a bill that helps consumers in New Hampshire and those around the country to make sure they have the insurance that they want.”
Even so, Shea-Porter added that the plans in the new healthcare Marketplaces will provide better coverage than those noncompliant plans she voted to extend.