Senator Hassan Highlights Devastating Impact of New House Health Care Repeal Bill on New Hampshire’s Effort to Combat Substance Misuse Crisis

Senator Hassan Highlights Devastating Impact of New House Health Care Repeal Bill on New Hampshire's Effort to Combat Substance Misuse Crisis

Senator Hassan speaks at a press conference in the Capitol

WASHINGTON - Today, Senator Maggie Hassan spoke out against the new House bill that would repeal the Affordable Care Act and New Hampshire's bipartisan Medicaid expansion plan, force older Americans and middle class families to pay more while providing tax breaks for insurance CEOs and the wealthiest Americans, force drastic cuts to New Hampshire's traditional Medicaid program for children, seniors and people with disabilities, and defund Planned Parenthood.

At a press conference in the Capitol with Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Patty Murray (D-WA), Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Chris Murphy (D-CT), Senator Hassan specifically highlighted the devastating impact that the House bill would have on New Hampshire's bipartisan Medicaid expansion plan and efforts to combat the heroin, fentanyl and opioid crisis.

See below for highlights from Senator Hassan's remarks:

"Make no mistake - this so-called replacement plan would end Medicaid expansion, which experts have said is the most important tool available to fight the substance use crisis. The House Republican plan also hurts children, seniors and people with disabilities with drastic federal cuts to the traditional Medicaid program. It would force states to either cut services our citizens need or to raise taxes," said Senator Hassan.

Senator Hassan added, "Repealing Medicaid expansion would severely hurt the ability of those on the front lines to save lives and turn the tide of this deadly substance abuse epidemic. Substance use treatment providers have been clear that if Medicaid expansion is repealed, they will have to significantly cut back on the help that they can provide to those in need. To pull the rug out from millions of people across the country who are seeking a lifeline from the throes of addiction is the height of irresponsibility. And we cannot - and we will not - let it happen."

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