AHA, others urge Congress not to include individual mandate repeal in tax bills

AHA and five other groups today urged congressional leaders not to include a repeal of the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate to obtain health insurance in pending tax legislation. “We join together to urge Congress to maintain the individual mandate,” the groups wrote. “There will be serious consequences if Congress simply repeals the mandate while leaving the insurance reforms in place: millions more will be uninsured or face higher premiums, challenging their ability to access the care they need. Let’s work together on solutions that deliver the access, care, and coverage that the American people deserve.” In addition to AHA, the groups include America’s Health Insurance Plans, the American Academy of Family Physicians, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, American Medical Association and Federation of American Hospitals. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) today said the Senate bill will include language to repeal the individual mandate; a revised bill has not yet been released.