The nation’s largest doctors group slammed the Republican healthcare bill after it was passed by the House yesterday that would repeal large parts of ObamaCare, warning that the bill could turn back the clock on protections for patients with pre-existing conditions and would “result in millions of Americans losing access to quality, affordable health insurance.”
“The bill passed by the House today will result in millions of Americans losing access to quality, affordable health insurance and those with pre-existing health conditions face the possibility of going back to the time when insurers could charge them premiums that made access to coverage out of the question,” American Medical Association (AMA) President Andrew Gurman said in a statement.
“Action is needed, however, to improve the current healthcare insurance system,” he added.
On a 217-213 vote, Republicans amassed just enough support to push the American Health Care Act through the House, sending it to the Senate for consideration. No Democrats voted for the bill. The AHCA faces a much tougher chance in the Senate, where Republicans hold a 52-46 majority (with two more Senate Independents) – and Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio said Thursday he would not support the bill in its current form.
“The AMA urges the Senate and the Administration to work with physician, patient, hospital and other provider groups to craft bipartisan solutions so all American families can access affordable and meaningful coverage, while preserving the safety net for vulnerable populations,” he said.
Yesterday was Republicans’ second attempt in less than two months to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.
