WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today said that he is pleased that the updated health-care proposal unveiled by Senate Republicans contains several notable improvements over previous drafts.

“In its current form, this draft legislation would represent a historic transfer of power to the states to manage their affairs free from Washington interference,” Wicker said. “The states would take the lead in developing their own policies to make the Medicaid program more sustainable.  We want the program to work for those who need it, and we want the taxpayer dollars that fund it to be used wisely.  In places like Mississippi that did not expand Medicaid, thousands will now have the opportunity to receive a refundable tax credit to buy real insurance on the open market.”

“This draft legislation takes a smaller government approach, allowing people to purchase scaled-down health insurance plans that work for them,” Wicker continued.  “For the first time, consumers would be able to pay for health insurance premiums using health savings accounts.

“I am hopeful that the Senate will proceed to an open debate on this draft bill, with plenty of opportunities for Senators to offer amendments. Now is the time to act and provide the relief that Obamacare has failed to deliver to Americans.”

The updated version of the “Better Care Reconciliation Act” can be found here: https://www.budget.senate.gov/bettercare.