News: AHA voices opposition to latest ACA repeal efforts

As Congressional members continue tweaking plans to replace and/or repeal the Affordable Care Act, the American Hospital Association, for one, continues to oppose such efforts.

The latest version of the American Health Care Act (AHCA) “continues to put health coverage in jeopardy for many Americans,” the AHA said in a press release. Specifically, the AHA expressed concern regarding care for older, sicker Americans, those with pre-existing conditions such as cancer patients and those with chronic conditions.

The AHA further said amendments to the bill proposed last week “would dramatically worsen the bill… put consumer protections at greater risk… leave patients without access to critical health services and … could significantly raise costs for those with pre-existing conditions.”

By Thursday, April 27, however, the second attempt to gut the ACA seemed lack required support and a senior house aide said there would not be a vote on the health bill, the New York Times reported.

“As the backbone of America’s health safety-net, hospitals and health systems must protect access to care for those who need it and ensure that the most vulnerable patients are not left behind. The AHCA continues to fall far short of that goal,” the AHA said in its release.