AHA opposes Graham-Cassidy proposal to repeal and replace parts of the ACA

The AHA today voiced opposition to a proposal introduced last week by Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Dean Heller (R-NV) and Ron Johnson (R-WI) to repeal and replace parts of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

“We believe that coverage could be at risk for tens of millions of Americans under the Graham-Cassidy proposal,” said AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack. “We continue to urge senators to work in a bipartisan manner to address the challenges facing our health care system. This proposal would erode key protections for patients and consumers and does nothing to stabilize the insurance market now or in the long term. In addition, the block grant to provide support for the expansion population expires in 2026, thereby eliminating coverage for millions of Americans. For these reasons, we oppose the Graham-Cassidy plan.”

The Senate Finance Committee will hold a hearing Monday on the Graham-Cassidy proposal.

Meanwhile, a bipartisan group of 10 governors today urged Senate leaders not to consider the legislation. “As you continue to consider changes to the American health care system, we ask you not to consider the Graham-Cassidy-Heller-Johnson amendment and renew support for bipartisan efforts to make health care more available and affordable for all Americans,” wrote Govs. John Hickenlooper (D-CO), John Kasich (R-OH), Bill Walker (I-AK), Steve Bullock (D-MT), Tom Wolf (D-PA), Terence McAuliffe (D-VA), John Bel Edwards (D-LA), Brian Sandoval (R-NV), Charles Baker (R-MA), and Phil Scott (R-VT).

“Only open, bipartisan approaches can achieve true, lasting reforms,” the letter stated. “We are hopeful that the [Health, Education, Labor & Pensions] committee, through an open process, can develop bipartisan legislation and we believe their efforts deserve support.”