Healthcare Bill: One Year Later, Louisiana's Senators React

Posted: Mar 23, 2011 6:34 PM by MIKE MAGNOLI
Source: KATC
Updated: Mar 23, 2011 6:35 PM

Healthcare One Year Later: Vitter, Boustany, Landrieu

A year ago this week, the Democratic majority in Washington passed the health-care bill.

Republicans have since taken control of the house, and "Obama-care" as its called is still a huge debate in America.

It's red vs. blue, just as it was when the bill was first introduced. As we've seen with so many local legislators switching parties- with Gov. Jindal's popularity: Louisiana remains red.

Here's Rep. Boustany and Senator David Vitter:

One of the selling points for the health care overhaul bill was that it would make prescription drugs more affordable-- but one year later, Louisiana Republicans in Washington say that's not the case:

Rep. Charles Boustany tell us, "I think the cost is what we have the biggest problem with."

Sen. Vitter agrees, "I think Obamacare is making the high cost of health care even worse."

These elected leaders say their constituents tell them, they're confused, meanwhile they say insurance companies and employers are asking for waivers and exclusions from the new requirements--

"I am for all out repeal, I voted for repeal and I think we could have done a better job."

"I think the only way to repeal it is to wait til after the Obama administration but in the meantime, me and other republicans are working to defund specific parts of Obama-care and I think there is an issue of constitutionality and that's happening in many courts, I think it will go all the way to the supreme court."

Sen. Mary Landrieu responded to us via email:

The health care law that President Obama signed into law one year ago is not perfect, and I am open to constructive ideas on how we can improve the law, but I voted for it because it helps Louisiana families and businesses in significant ways.

"Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, tens of thousands of Louisianians with pre-existing conditions cannot be denied health insurance coverage when they need it the most; more than 25,000 young adults in Louisiana between the ages of 18 and 26 will be able to stay on their parents' health insurance policies as they struggle to start a career in this tough job market; nearly 50,000 seniors are receiving rebates to help cover their prescription drug costs; and up to 59,700 small businesses in Louisiana have access to tax credits helping them afford health insurance for their employees.

"Last month, the president showed he is willing to work with states to find creative ways to improve health care throughout the country when he endorsed the Empowering States to Innovate Act. The bill gives states the ability to opt out of the Affordable Care Act requirements if they can demonstrate their plan could cover the same number of people, ensure the same consumer protections and keep costs within budget. If states don't want to participate in the Affordable Care Act, it should be because they have found a more innovative way to reach the goal of providing quality, affordable health coverage to all working Americans and their children, not because they are opting to do nothing."

-Sen. Mary Landrieu