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.

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