Henry
L. Dorkin, MD, President of the Massachusetts Medical Society, released the
following statement regarding the Congressional Budget Office score on the
American Health Care Act:
“Today’s score from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office
supports what the medical community had suspected: that the American Health
Care Act would have seriously harmful consequences for millions of Americans,
who rely on insurance coverage for their access to health care. This
legislation, if enacted, would have a highly limiting effect on patient access
to appropriate health care here in the Commonwealth.
“Under the Affordable Care Act, the number of people with
meaningful, affordable health insurance coverage has increased, both here in
Massachusetts and nationally. Through robust subsidies, guarantees for patients
with preexisting conditions, and coverage of essential health benefits, health
care under the Affordable Care Act ensures that significantly more patients in
the U.S. are able to enjoy access to the care they need.
“However, the American Health Care Act, which the
Massachusetts Medical Society strongly opposes, would strip insurance coverage
from tens of millions of Americans and could leave millions more with insurance
coverage that is neither comprehensive nor adequate to their needs – while
increasing out-of-pocket costs. This bill would disproportionately impact the
underserved and the most vulnerable among our communities. The AHCA would not
improve care, but rather would erode access to care. Under the AHCA, many of
our uninsured – or under-insured – patients would forego preventive health care,
delaying needed treatment until a worsening condition required emergency care,
thus leading to higher overall healthcare costs.
“Physicians, on the front lines of care for their patients,
understand that insurance coverage is not meaningful if patients aren’t able to
access the care they need.
“Unfortunately, the American Health Care Act is not the only
threat to health care in the U.S. The President’s proposed budget would slash
programs that that are critical to the health of our patients, including
Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. Further, cuts in the
budget would make it harder for women, especially low-income women, to benefit
from needed family planning and wellness services. It would also cut funding to
programs that help to reduce health disparities due to social determinants of
health, for example by providing needed sustenance to those living without adequate
food to eat.
“Long-term, the budget would cut important funding to the
National Institutes of Health, stymying the ability of the medical research
community to bring us innovative cures in the future for diseases which today
are untreatable.
“We urge Congress to turn its attention to preserving the
stability of the Affordable Care Act, improving that law where experience
dictates, and working toward a shared vision of innovative health care in
America. Our goal is meaningful health
care coverage for all.”
