On April 26, Republicans released a new proposal to replace the Affordable Care Act. And it’s even worse for patients, especially those with most complicated health conditions, like those living with paralysis.
An amendment was drafted that kept much of the original American Health Care Act (AHCA) in place, which would eliminate the requirement that everybody purchase health insurance, and replaces the law’s subsidies with a new set of tax credits to help individuals pay for coverage. Those credits are less generous than what’s offered under the ACA, and the amount people receive is based on how old they are.
The AHCA also significantly changes Medicaid, limiting expanded coverage and capping its federal funding.
This amendment also includes a new waiver program that would allow states to eliminate the ACA’s protections for people with pre-existing conditions. It would also allow states to:
- Let insurers charge people higher premiums based on pre-existing conditions
- Eliminate the ACA law’s essential health benefits requirements that guarantee coverage for things like mental health care, prescription drugs, and maternity care
These updated changes won the support of the Freedom Caucus, the more conservative members of the House of Representatives, who initially withheld support because they felt the original bill didn’t go far enough in repealing the ACA.
We have heard there could be a vote on the House floor early this week. If this bill passes in the House, it will face significant hurdles in the Senate, but we still urge you to contact your Representatives sharing your personal story as to why this bill is harmful.
You can contact them in two ways:
Please send a message to your Representative TODAY urging them to vote against this updated health care proposal. The process will take just two minutes, but can make a big difference.
Please call your House members at 202-224-3121 urging them to vote against this updated health care proposal.
Remember, your voice can have an enormous impact.
Thank you for your continued advocacy efforts!
