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Press Release: Foster Hosts Community Discussion on Health Care and the Affordable Care Act

April 14, 2017

Naperville, IL – Last night, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) hosted a community forum to discuss the latest about the debate over health care and the Affordable Care Act.

Over 200 people turned out to hear from a panel of health care experts and constituents from the 11th District who shared personal stories about how the Affordable Care Act has helped them and why it is so important to protect the progress made on health care.

"A few weeks ago, President Trump and Republican leaders failed in their attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act and replace it with Trumpcare," Foster said. "Their plan would have resulted in millions of people losing health coverage, higher premiums, lost jobs, and the bankrupting of Medicare and Medicaid to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy. While their attempts failed, we must remain vigilant against future efforts – both legislative and regulatory – to weaken the ACA and roll back the progress we've made on the health care. I am heartened to see so many people come out to support their neighbors whose health and well-being are at stake in this fight."

The panel included A.J. Wilhelmi, President of the Illinois Hospital Association; Perry Maier, Director of Open Door Health Care Center of Illinois; Courtney Hedderman, AARP Associate State Director; as well as constituents of the 11th District.

"Getting together as a community to share personal stories about how the Affordable Care Act has helped so many of us shows why it's needed," said Maier. "Health care is a basic necessity and should not be a burden to those who need it the most."

In late March, House Republican leaders were forced to pull their plan to repeal the Affordable Care Act when it became clear it lacked enough support.

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