Fairlawn, N.J. — Today, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) convened a listening roundtable of Fifth District health care leaders, patients, providers, doctors, and advocates to discuss important provisions of the Affordable Care Act, necessary changes and improvements to the law, and the dangerous impact of repealing it without a sensible replacement.

Gottheimer strongly supports improving the Affordable Care Act but voted earlier this week against a bill that set in motion a repeal without a replacement plan because it would create mass marketplace uncertainty and eliminate important consumer protections for the 700,000 New Jersey residents who receive health coverage through the law.

Repealing the Affordable Care Act would result in an estimated 86,000 jobs lost in New Jersey and higher premiums for everyone, including those who have private insurance through their employers. It would also result in a tax hike for 205,242 middle-income New Jersey families who currently receive tax credits through the law. 59,000 young adults in New Jersey are on their parents’ health insurance thanks to the Affordable Care Act and would lose their coverage should the law be repealed. And more than three million people in New Jersey have pre-existing conditions that could make it impossible for them to get health insurance if this law were to be repealed without a replacement.

“I appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from my constituents, advocates, medical professionals, and other leaders in the health care community about the impact of the Affordable Care Act and ways we can improve the law,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer. “I encourage anyone–Democrat, Republican, or Independent–who has ideas to improve health care affordability and access to contact me; I look forward to working together.”

“As I’ve said, the ACA has plenty that’s good in it, and plenty, like the medical device and Cadillac taxes, that needs fixing. My view comes down to this: Fix it, don’t repeal it without a solution in place”

“Congressman Gottheimer understands the importance of improving the Affordable Care Act by eliminating the Cadillac Tax while making sure working families have the quality and affordable care they need and deserve,” said IBEW 164 Business Manager Tom Sullivan. “I appreciated the opportunity to discuss these important issues.”

“While the Affordable Care Act improved access to mental and behavioral health services for many, there is still significant work to be done to make sure that all people suffering from a mental health condition are able to access the care they need,” said mental health advocate Cynthia Chazen. “I look forward to working with Congressman Gottheimer to enhance this access and thank him for convening today’s discussion.”

“The goal of the New Jersey Hospital Association is to provide quality, affordable and accessible healthcare to the people of the Garden State,” said New Jersey Hospital Association President Betsy Ryan. “We appreciate Congressman Gottheimer’s inviting us to participate in this important conversation about how we can improve healthcare for the people of our state, and we look forward to working with him on these issues going forward.”

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