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Amata working with house leadership on SCHIP reauthorization

[SN file photo]
Source: Media release, office of Congresswoman Aumua Amata

Washington, DC — House Republicans yesterdat passed HR1628 The American Health Care Act. This is the first step in the Republicans plan to fix the American health care system. The passage of this bill does not affect the health care services in American Samoa.

"I applaud my colleagues in the House for passing The American Health Care Act (AHCA); this is the first step in fixing the flaws of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)," said Amata. "One of the major flaws in the ACA, is that it excludes the U.S. territories altogether," continued the Congresswoman.

When the AHCA was first brought before the House in March, the Congresswoman introduced an amendment, which was ruled not in order due to H.R. 1628 qualifying as a "reconciliation" bill, meaning that the bill simply has the authority to amend the ACA.

The Congresswoman's amendment would put the territories on the same footing as the states in regards to Medicaid funding and services. The next step in the overhaul of the nation's health care system will be to address the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) reauthorization during which time the Congresswoman will reintroduce her amendment. The SCHIP program provides funds to states and territories for families that have children, but may not qualify for Medicaid.

"Through my discussions with Leadership, I have been assured that when the SCHIP reauthorization comes before the House, the Territories will have a seat at the table. I will continue to do all I can to ensure that my amendment is adopted, and look forward to seeing it included in the final bill language. It is essential that we get the Territories on the same level as the states in regards to the health care choices and services; my amendment would do that," concluded Amata.