Press Release

Statement on the State of the Union Address

Contact:
David Allen - 202-626-2313
Elizabeth Lietz - 202-626-2284

Washington D.C.

Rich Umbdenstock
President, American Hospital Association
January 23, 2007

America's hospitals are pleased that President Bush has focused attention on uninsured people.  But the President's proposals are unworkable for many and not focused on those most in need.

The tax proposal would have the effect of driving people to the small group insurance market-a market that has proven unstable.  For many people, even with a tax break, coverage remains unaffordable and out of reach.  Additionally, by reducing funding, the President's proposal pulls the rug out from under safety net hospitals that care for some of our nation's most vulnerable people.  We strongly oppose any plan to cut funding to safety net hospitals.

Finally, we are concerned that the proposals could undermine the employer-based system that already provides insurance to the vast majority of Americans and on which we need to build to extend coverage to the 47 million uninsured.

About AHA

The AHA is a not-for-profit association of health care provider organizations and individuals that are committed to the improvement of health in their communities. The AHA is the national advocate for its members, which includes more than 5,000 member hospitals, health systems and other health care organizations, and 38,000 individual members. Founded in 1898, the AHA provides education for health care leaders and is a source of information on health care issues and trends.