WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Former President Barack Obama expressed frustration Wednesday with repeated efforts by Republican lawmakers to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, his administration's signature domestic policy achievement.
Speaking at an event sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Obama noted that the law known as Obamacare has increased the percentage of Americans with health insurance to more than ninety percent and prevented people with pre-existing conditions from being denied coverage.
'When I see people trying to undo that hard-won progress, for the 50th or 60th time, with bills that will raise costs, reduce coverage and roll back protections for older Americans and people with pre-existing conditions ... it is aggravating,' Obama said.
The comments from Obama come as Senate Republicans are engaged in a last-ditch attempt to repeal and replace Obamacare.
A bill drafted by Senators Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Bill Cassidy, R-La., repeals the structure and architecture of Obamacare and replaces it with block grants to states to help individuals pay for healthcare.
Obama claimed there was not any demonstrable economic, actuarial, or even human rationale for pushing such a bill.
'It may be frustrating that we have to mobilize every couple months to keep our leaders from inflicting real human suffering on their constituents,' Obama said. 'But typically, that's how progress is won.'
Obama has largely kept a low profile since leaving office, although a report from CNN said he is due to appear more this fall, holding events for Democratic candidates.
Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX