SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO.COM) Some medical professionals spoke out against the Obamacare replacement plan in Washington at a highly partisan rally in Sioux Falls on Friday.
The rally was hosted by the South Dakota Democratic Party. Republican Congresswoman Kristi Noem took a lot of heat for voting for the replacement plan as a member of the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee.
"The health care plan introduced and currently being rushed through Congress by Kristi Noem and the Washington Republicans would take us backwards to a day when millions fewer had health care," claimed Dr. Timothy Dillard of Sioux Falls. He said one of many problematical provisions was "huge" penalties for short term lapses in coverage.
"Anybody without coverage for two months would be hit with a 30 percent premium hike," tim said..
Dr. Amy Kelley-Osdoba, who practices in Sioux Falls, also spoke at the rally.
"I've seen how the affordable care act has helped my patients and I'm concerned that this bill is going to violate one of the most important principles of medicine - and that is: do no harm." said Dr. Kelley-Osdoba.
Democratic Party Chair Ann Tornberg declared that what she called the "Noem plan" will raise costs, provide less coverage, and defund Planned Parenthood.
Noem and other Republicans say they are trying to replace Obamacare with a more market-driven framework which gives more power back to the states and to individuals. Health insurance rates have skyrocketed in some states under the Affordable Care Act. President Trump has made repealing and replacing Obamacare one of his top priorities.