Despite higher rates, new ObamaCare plans include fewer in-network doctors and hospitals than older health plans. This diminished access to health care is a serious problem for Americans who live in rural areas with fewer primary care physicians, forcing some people to drive hours just to see a doctor who will accept their insurance.

For example, Karen and her husband from Kearney essentially lost the doctors they had and liked when they received a notice in the mail indicating the health care providers they have relied on for years will no longer accept their insurance.

But it’s not just Nebraskans who’ve been hurt. The New York Post recently told the story of Margaret Figueroa, a New York resident who has undergone four brain operations, lost her health plan due to ObamaCare regulations and was forced to sign up for new coverage under the state-run ObamaCare exchange. She soon realized that her new plan’s restricted provider network did not include her current doctors. In addition to searching for doctors in her limited insurance network, Figueroa now also faces the problem of securing prescriptions for several medications she relies on.

The LA Times reported on the experience of Danielle Nelson, a Californian who signed up for health insurance under the state-run exchange. Earlier this year, she noticed a lump on her jaw, but when she visited her oncologist’s office there was a sign indicating “Covered California,” her state-wide plan, was not accepted. This is becoming a common problem in the state, as many specialists currently do not accept the new plans. Frustrated, Nelson reflected: “I’m a complete fan of the Affordable Care Act, but now I can’t sleep at night. I can’t imagine this is how President Obama wanted it to happen.”

These are just a few examples of what is occurring nationwide. It’s not enough to have health insurance if you can’t find a doctor you like. Americans need access to real, reliable health care.

As insurers are forced to cut down the rising cost of health insurance premiums, they are drastically shrinking their provider networks, limiting the number of doctors available to patients.

Earlier this month, President Obama touted 8 million Americans “enrolled” in ObamaCare. Currently, there is no information on how many people have actually paid for their marketplace health plans, and the president gleaned over the 5 million Americans who lost their health insurance due to ObamaCare. This is just the beginning.

More selective delays won’t fix the president’s failed health care law. In fact, in the past year, the Obama Administration has unilaterally delayed or modified the Affordable Care Act 20 times.

Last month, I introduced the Freeing Americans from Inequitable Requirements (FAIR) Act to level the playing field under ObamaCare. This legislation ensures ObamaCare’s individual mandate penalty is delayed whenever the White House delays the employer mandate. Nebraskans and all Americans deserve the same relief from ObamaCare that the president has granted to businesses and special interests.

I will continue the fight to repeal this disastrous health care law and support measures that actually increase people’s access to health care. Thank you for participating in our democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.