The American Medical Association warned the Senate leaders with the Republican Healthcare Plan. They said this plan could have a devastating impact as millions of people could lose their health coverage under it.
AMA Pushed Back “Significant Changes” In ACA Or Medicaid Programs
On Monday, James L. Madara, American Medical Association’s chief executive wrote in a letter to the Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Minority Leader Charles Schumer, that the advocacy group identifies the ACA needs to be fixed, but that AHCA as currently drafted would significantly limit access to affordable insurance and undermine the Medicaid program.
Madara wrote – “We recognize that the current law can be improved and that there are problems that need to be fixed,” he further added “However, we do not support changes to the health care system that would result in health care coverage being beyond the reach of those who are currently covered, that would weaken the health care safety net, or that would compromise the ability of physicians to provide care for our patients.”
American Medical Association wrote “Proposals should maintain key insurance market reforms, such as coverage for pre-existing conditions, guaranteed issue, and parental coverage for young adults, as well as … adequately fund Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program, and other safety net programs,”
24 Million Fewer Americans Would Be Insured Under The House Bill
The American Health Care Act was passed by the house earlier this month. According to an analysis of an earlier version of the bill, it is estimated that 24 million less people would be insured under the GOP plan.
American Medical Association is one among a lot of those medical groups who have actively opposed the GOP plan. The Republican senators have been discussing over the House Bills and have expressed their concerns.
By far, Senate negotiations has had Medicaid as their main sticking point. The House bill would completely change how this program is financed, ultimately cutting Medicaid spending by more than $800 billion over 10 years. It would also be an end to the improved federal funding for Medicaid expansion.
Date: 17 May, 2017