In his counterpoint, he states that the ACA is continuing to have negative impacts on families and “dramatically altered one-sixth of the nation’s economy.” He is correct that the ACA needs more work, and that health care is a large component of our economy. This makes me wonder why he then voted on the American Health Care Act before the Congressional Budget Office could issue a score to show the impact this new bill could have. A self-professed “math guy” should have waited to see how the new bill would affect his constituents, and all Americans, before voting.
Another contradiction comes from his stance on coverage for pre-existing conditions. He is on record as saying he wouldn’t support legislation that removes coverage for pre-existing conditions or causes higher premiums for those with pre-existing conditions. The AHCA says that people with pre-existing conditions cannot be denied, but there is language in the bill that allows insurers to drastically raise premiums based on pre-existing conditions and previous insurance. In essence, this would technically allow access to health care but would price people out of the market. His stance on this portion of the bill is particularly confusing given his work on human trafficking. Many victims of trafficking will have pre-existing conditions as defined by the AHCA, and will not have had consistent insurance, making them vulnerable to being priced out of the market at a time when they may need it most.
Finally, when pressured on health care costs, Paulsen likes to sing the praises of Health Savings Accounts. He is correct that these are a great tool for people to take advantage of. He ignores the fact that HSAs are valuable only for those who can afford them. If your household does not have additional cash to invest in HSAs, then these are just as useless as claiming that the AHCA will support those with pre-existing conditions.
Paulsen is skilled at deceiving voters and pretending he supports common-sense legislation. His voting record proves that this is not that case.
Natalie Larson, Maple Grove
Minneapolis Star Tribune, May 10, 2017