Today, the House Republican Health Solutions Working Group is holding a forum on the true costs to families and employers of the Democrats’ new health care law. Congressman Tom Price (R-GA) issued the following statement.

“In their headlong rush to pass a bill, Democrats failed to consider its broader implications for jobs and the economy,” said Congressman Price. “According to a recent study, a stunning 90 percent of employers expect ObamaCare to increase their costs. And with 17 percent of the workforce underemployed or out of work altogether, Democrats are sending employers all the wrong signals. Small businesses are America’s most prolific job-creators, yet Democrats gave little thought to how ObamaCare would impact this vital sector of our economy. Instead of encouraging job growth and better salaries, the new law will push many small businesses to keep wages low and have fewer employees.

“The true costs of ObamaCare extend well beyond the job market. By handing control to Washington, this law undermines the doctor-patient relationship, the very foundation of good health care. Medical decisions should be made by patients and families in consultation with their doctor. As a physician, I know that interference from Washington does not improve health care; it’s actually one of the greatest obstacles.

“Republicans have continually warned about the true costs of the Democrats’ policies since the beginning of this debate. ObamaCare must be repealed and immediately replaced with patient-centered reforms consistent with a healthy economy.”