Last Thursday, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) spoke out on the House Floor against the health care reform bill currently before Congress, which represents a new tax on New Jersey and would have disastrous consequences for seniors.

“It’s not only seniors who would be hurt; this bill is a new tax on all of New Jersey residents. It cuts Medicaid and leaves the state holding the bag for other states and puts additional costs on New Jersey to confront health care challenges, like the opioid crisis sweeping our state.” Said Congressman Josh Gottheimer. “We need a bipartisan fix to the Affordable Care Act. This plan does just the opposite.”

Video of Gottheimer’s remarks is available online HERE.

His remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below:

Mr. Speaker I rise today to speak out against the health care bill that is currently making its way through the House.

It is an attack on Seniors that will raise New Jersey taxes, and I refuse to sit idly by.

First, it includes a premium “Senior Tax” that would make older Americans pay five times more for their health care.

Second, the plan before Congress takes aim at long-term care to support the elderly and disabled and could ultimately throw seniors out of nursing homes.

Three out of five nursing home residents in New Jersey rely on Medicaid to access long-term care.

Finally, it’s not only seniors who would be hurt; this bill is a new tax on all of New Jersey residents.

It cuts Medicaid and leaves the state holding the bag for other states and puts additional costs on New Jersey to confront health care challenges, like the opioid crisis sweeping our state.

We need a bipartisan fix to the Affordable Care Act.

This plan does just the opposite.

I’m ready to sit at the table with Democrats, Republicans, and Independents to come up with a real fix.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and I yield back my time.

###