Oklahoma politicians, groups react to the American Health Care Act vote

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — The U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass the American Health Care Act (ACHA), an alternative to President Obama's Affordable Care Act.

The voting margin was close, 217 to 213, and America is just as split on the plan.

President Trump and other supporters of the ACHA say it should lower premiums, deductibles and improve coverage.

"We like the sound of it and we sure hope those things happen but we have a long way to go," said Kelly Dexter with the Oklahoma Insurance Department. "It has to go to the Senate and we don't know what it will look like at the end of that."

She sounded optimistic about the repeal and replace of Obamacare.

"This is the first step towards stabilizing the market which has really been in upheaval since the beginning of Obamacare," she said.

The Oklahoma State Medical Association (OSMA), was less than optimistic with the American Health Care Act.

"Many Oklahomans risk loss of access to quality, affordable health coverage. Those with pre-existing health conditions could be charged premiums that make access to coverage out of the question for them," Kevin Taubman said.

Taubman is the president of the OSMA.

"OSMA urges the Oklahoma congressional delegation to work with state physicians, patients, hospitals and other care providers to craft solutions. All Oklahomans deserve access to affordable and effective coverage, including a safety net for vulnerable patient populations," he said.

All of Oklahoma's representatives voted in favor of the AHCA.

"I support the American Health Care Act because it makes good on our promise to repeal Obamacare and restore our country’s health insurance market. Moving from Obamacare’s government-run bureaucracy to a patient-centered system means people will have the flexibility to choose the plan that meets their needs. And for the millions of Americans who were forced off their health plans through no fault of their own, this legislation paves the way for comprehensive and affordable health insurance options," Rep. Frank Lucas (R) said.

"This was a hill the American people needed us to take. We heard them -- and now the hill is theirs," Rep. Steve Russell (R) said.

Others said this is not something the people wanted, one of those the president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains Laura McQuade, which covers Oklahoma.

"Why aren't Republicans in the house listening? This is the worst bill for health care in a generation. Not only did today's vote take one negligent step closer to leaving 24 million Americans without health care coverage, it also dangerously attempts to block Medicaid patients from Planned Parenthood Great Plains health centers in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. We'll hold accountable every public official, including the entire Oklahoma Delegation, who cast this vote and put countless lives at stake," said McQuade.

Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin congratulated the House on the vote.

"Our current health care system is collapsing, threatening to leave people across the country without access to health care coverage. Health insurance has become unaffordable. Obamacare has driven health insurance companies out of the market, and Oklahoma is down to only one insurance carrier on the federal exchange. Reforming the system is the only way to provide access to affordable and quality health care. I am working closely with my fellow governors to ensure the concerns and voices of Oklahomans are heard. Now it is up to the Senate to act and ensure our fellow Oklahomans, and Americans across the country, are able to access quality, affordable health care," she said.