WASHINGTON - January 19 - Statement by U.S. PIRG Health Care Advocate Larry McNeely on today's vote by the U.S House of Representatives on repeal of The Affordable Care Act, the new federal health care law.

“In a recovering economy, the higher costs that would result from repeal of the federal health care law are the last thing that consumers and small businesses need.

“According to a recent report from U.S. PIRG, The Cost of Repeal, consumers who purchase their own insurance would face up to 20% higher premiums under repeal. Repeal would drive up the cost of providing employer-sponsored insurance by $3000 a year per employee, costing the economy between 2.5 and 4 million jobs over the next decade. Repeal of the law would also strip away tax credits for over 4 million small businesses.

“A study released yesterday from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found that one out of every two Americans has a health condition that could lead to coverage denials or higher rates on the individual market – if this repeal effort succeeds.

“Last year’s health care law took the first steps toward addressing the rising health care costs that afflict our nation's consumers, businesses and economy. Rather than rolling back these steps, Congress should build on reform and find solutions to the rising cost of health care that can win support across the political spectrum.

“There's no denying that America's health care system needs additional attention, but repeal is not the medicine we need.”