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Pence Touts ACA Replacement In Janesville

Vice President Dismisses Town Hall Criticism At Wisconsin Stop Friday

Mike Pence
John Minchillo/AP Photo

Vice President Mike Pence told an invitation-only audience in Janesville that the Trump administration and Congress will start replacing the Affordable Care Act “in just a few days.”

Pence told 350 employees at Blain Supply, based in Janesville, on Friday that part of the new health care law will allow health insurance to be purchased across state lines.

The vice president mentioned two fictional characters from insurance commercials during his speech promoting the repeal and replace of the ACA.

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“You create a national marketplace, and then you get that little lizard, and you get Flo on television and let them start selling cheaper health insurance to every American. That’s the American Way,” Pence said referencing Progressive and Geico insurances.

Pence also promised states like Wisconsin will have the flexibility and resources to take care of their most vulnerable citizens. Wisconsin has been pushing for more control over the Medicaid program. Pence, without specifics, offered a guarantee.

“We’re gonna allow the states to have flexibility to craft state-based solutions that will work for the people of their individual states … What will work in Wisconsin is better designed by the people of Wisconsin for the needs of the most vulnerable in this state.”

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price; U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wisconsin; and House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Janesville, spoke at the event Friday which included a listening session comprised of local business leaders.

Ryan is working with House Republicans and the Trump administration on a repeal and replacement plan for the health care law. Pence said Trump and Ryan have a close partnership that will benefit Americans “for generations to come.”

Meanwhile, congressional Democrats are calling for more details of the health care proposal.

Democratic Party of Wisconsin executive director Martha Laning wrote in a statement, “Instead of trying to rip coverage away from Americans” the nation “should be working to strengthen the Affordable Care Act and find ways to expand access to care.”

Pence is also dismissing people at Republican town halls across the country who have spoken out in support of the national health care law.

“Despite the best efforts of some activists at some town halls around the country, the American people know Obamacare has failed and Obamacare must go,” Pence said.

Pence’s comments generated applause from the workers at the agricultural supply company in Janesville, Ryan’s hometown.

About 50 protesters greeted Pence and Ryan outside the distribution center as the motorcade drove by.