Tester says bill is 'no-go'

(EDITOR’S NOTE: The following was a campaign statement by Sen. Tester issued through the Montanans for Tester organization. The Inter Lake will run an op-ed from the senator later if one is submitted)

By JON TESTER

The health-care plan that a handful of senators wrote in secret is finally out. It’s no wonder they didn’t want anyone to see this plan.

It’s a real blow to seniors and anyone with pre-existing conditions. The 77,000 Montanans who got their health care through bipartisan Medicaid expansion are at risk.

I’m all for fixing the Affordable Care Act. But repealing it completely and replacing it with this plan, which will likely kick millions off insurance, is a no-go for me.

I’ve heard from folks all over Montana. I’ve heard from people in all walks of life. No matter who I talk to, I hear the same concerns: I need my health care. I cannot afford to let Congress take it away.

I firmly believe that we in the Senate can work together to make the ACA better. But this plan is like fixing a leaky roof by ripping off the whole thing: You’re making a big mess for no good reason.

Jon Tester, a Big Sandy Democrat, is Montana’s senior U.S. senator.