Capito on Healthcare

West Virginia’s Republican U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito has voted for the Senate to go forward and debate legislation to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. Capito, in a statement Tuesday shortly before the vote, says she’ll continue to make decisions that are “in the best interests of West Virginians.” She says she’s committed to reforming the health care system while addressing concerns about affordable coverage for those on Medicaid and people with drug addictions. Capito has opposed previous proposals by the Senate’s Republican leadership to replace President Barack Obama’s signature program. She has repeatedly said that she “did not come to Washington to hurt people.” About 525,000 West Virginians are enrolled in Medicaid. About 175,000 joined under the act’s expansion.