Fight to Protect Coverage Continues

May 05, 2017 - 04:23 AM

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

Headline
CMS launches ASPIRE Model for youth in Medicaid, CHIP with complex medical, behavioral health needs
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Innovation Center yesterday announced the launch of a new model under Medicaid and the Children’s Health…
Headline
AHA podcast: A New Prescription for Community Health
Venita Owens, president of Baylor Scott & White Health and Wellness Center, and Andrea Hayes, manager of marketing and public relations for Baylor Scott…
Headline
CDC reports measles cases near 1,500 nationally; South Carolina outbreak continues
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced today that there are now 1,487 confirmed measles cases nationwide so far this year. The CDC said 5% of…
Headline
Registration discounts for Healthier Together Conference available until March 31
Early-bird registration rates for the AHA’s Healthier Together Conference end March 31. This inaugural conference on community health…
Perspective
Working Together for Accessible, Affordable Care
Public
From birth to death, from critical injuries to elective surgeries, from crisis and disaster to community food banks and health improvement initiatives —…
Headline
AHA advertorial highlights how hospitals serve communities
“Hospitals are the heart of communities across America for one fundamental reason: They support patients whenever, wherever and however they need care,” writes…