PHI Statement on the Revived House Health Care Plan: Less Coverage, Higher Cost

STATEMENT FROM MARY A. PITTMAN, DRPH, CEO AND PRESIDENT, PUBLIC HEALTH INSTITUTE

“The Public Health Institute strongly opposes today’s action taken by the House to pass the American Health Care Act (AHCA), by 217-213. This misguided and harmful bill works against basic principles of community health, wellness and care and jeopardizes the health and lives of many Americans. The Senate must act decisively and with unity to make sure this dangerous bill is stopped.

“AHCA will disproportionately hurt low income communities, communities of color, and other vulnerable populations. AHCA would allow states to opt out of the requirement that insurance companies provide essential benefits including maternity care, check-ups for kids, prescription medication, mental health and substance use disorder services, and even hospital and doctor visits, and guts Medicaid. Older, sicker and poorer people will be forced to pay more for less quality care. Those with pre-existing conditions, including pregnancy and cancer, may be unable to even obtain quality, affordable insurance.

“AHCA would eliminate the Prevention and Public Health Fund, an innovative investment in community health and wellness that was established under ACA. The Prevention Fund invests in life-saving vaccinations, programs that reduce chronic disease rates and initiatives that address and prevent US and global infectious diseases and other outbreaks—and makes up over 10% of CDC’s entire budget. A successful health care system is one that moves our country towards preventing disease, not just treating it. This misguided bill fails on all counts. It guts prevention, increases costs and decreases coverage.

“We call on the U.S. Senate to stand for the health and wellbeing of the American people and vote no on the AHCA.”

Thanks to all of you who have taken action to protect healthcare. Here’s something else you can do right now: Call your senators and tell them to vote no on the AHCA, 202-224-3121.