Today the US House of Representatives passed a revised version of the American Health Care Act (AHCA) on a party line vote of 217-213. The AHCA seeks to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, which was enacted under the Obama administration. The only North Carolina Republican representative voting against the AHCA today was US Rep. Walter Jones (R-3rd District). Below are several statements on the House’s approval of this bill.
From the North Carolina Medical Society:
“The North Carolina Medical Society had hoped that the US House of Representatives could negotiate a bi-partisan health care bill that would preserve the positive aspects of the Affordable Care Act while addressing those provisions that need to be revised. The American Health Care Act undermines many positive aspects of the ACA including calling into question coverage for those patients with pre-existing conditions and thereby limiting access to care for those who need it most. We are hopeful that the US Senate can now work to ensure that Americans will continue to have the preventive care and affordable health insurance coverage they need.”
From the AMA:
“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. Action is needed, however, to improve the current health care insurance system. 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.”
From US Secretary of Health and Human Services, Tom Price, MD:
“The status quo is failing the American people. Premiums are skyrocketing; choices are narrowing or vanishing; and patients do not have access to the care they need. Today, the House of Representatives has begun to deliver on President Trump’s promise to repeal a broken law and replace it with solutions that put patients in charge. This is a victory for the American people.
“The American Health Care Act is focused on patients. It is the first step toward a patient-centered healthcare system that will provide Americans access to quality, affordable healthcare coverage, empowering individuals and families to choose the coverage that best meets their needs, not what Washington forces them to buy, and equipping states to address the diverse needs of their most vulnerable populations. As Congress continues its work, the team at HHS will continue to support the reform effort by reviewing and initiating administrative actions to put patients, families and doctors in charge of medical decisions, bring down costs, and increase choices.”
From Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah):
“Obamacare’s burdensome mandates and crushing taxes have locked the American people into a system of higher costs and less choice. Today House Republicans successfully took a major step towards freeing American families from Obamacare by advancing a bill that dismantles the law’s harmful taxes and mandates, while providing patient-centered reforms that put American families – not Washington – in charge of their healthcare decisions. As we work to fulfill our promise to our constituents to repeal and replace the law in the Senate, we will be guided by the important principles to address costs and give American families more choices. At the same time, we will be working to put together a package that reflects our member’s priorities with the explicit goal of getting 51 votes. Coupled with the constraints imposed by the budget reconciliation process, we must manage expectations and remain focused on the art of the doable as we move forward.”
The debate now shifts to the US Senate, where changes to the legislation are expected. We will be monitoring the discussions closely, and will update you as the process continues. We look forward to your continued input and engagement on this important legislation.
