America’s hospitals and health systems are deeply disappointed in the House passage of the American Health Care Act. This bill will jeopardize health coverage for millions of Americans.

Despite last-minute changes, the proposal eliminates essential protections for older and sicker patients, including those with pre-existing conditions, such as cancer patients and the chronically ill. It does little to help the 24 million Americans who would be left without coverage following repeal. And it makes deep cuts to Medicaid, which provides essential services for the disabled, poor and elderly people in this country. It is the wrong prescription for a healthier America.

The battleground now shifts to the Senate. We urge the Senate to restart and reset the discussion in a manner that provides coverage to those who need it, and ensures that the most vulnerable are not left behind.

Protecting coverage will be topic number one at our Annual Membership Meeting this weekend – where we stand, and where we go from here. We’ll have a lineup of political, media, and policy experts to deliver up-to-the minute analysis. You’ll leave more prepared than ever to continue our fight to protect coverage and care. I hope to see you there.

Related News Articles

Chairperson's File
We know that health equity matters. But what exactly does the term mean? AHA’s Institute for Diversity and Health Equity defines “health equity” as “The fair…
Headline
The AHA’s Hospital Community Collaborative has released "Healthier Together," a report about the program’s impact on community health throughout the country.…
Headline
The AHA July 11 released its quarterly Health Care Plan Accountability Update, a roundup of news, letters, statements and other resources covering private…
Headline
The AHA submitted a statement July 11 for a Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing on health care transparency and lowering health care costs. The AHA…
Blog
The greatest success story of the 20th century is longevity. This is especially true in the United States, where average life expectancy at birth rose by more…
Headline
The Department of Health and Human Services July 10 released a proposed rule designed to improve health information sharing and interoperability. The Health…