“Unworkable and Unfair”: PHI Statement on Graham-Cassidy Proposal to Repeal ACA

STATEMENT FROM NORA CONNORS, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC POLICY AND PARTNERSHIPS

“The Public Health Institute is opposed to the latest version of Affordable Care Act repeal being proposed in the U.S. Senate.

“The Graham-Cassidy proposal is just as bad as previous versions of ACA repeal—it would eliminate the Prevention and Public Health Fund, gut Medicaid funding, weaken current protections for people with pre-existing conditions and make meaningful coverage unaffordable for many.

“Eliminating the Prevention and Public Health Fund would significantly hamper the ability of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to address chronic disease, protect us from epidemics, keep us healthy and respond to emerging threats like opioid abuse. At a time when millions of Americans are responding to the aftermath of hurricanes and extreme weather it is foolish and shortsighted to slash essential funding for an agency responsible for disaster preparedness and emergency response.

“This proposal is unworkable and unfair.

“We call for a bipartisan approach that would realistically, affordably and equitably improve the health and well being of the American people.”

See the joint statement on ACA repeal from the American Public Health Association, Prevention Institute, Public Health Institute and Trust for America’s Health.