A nonpartisan coalition of patient and consumer groups representing millions of Americans issued the following statement today in response to the release of the Congressional Budget Office’s (CBO) score of the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017 (BCRA) pending in the U.S. Senate:
“The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office’s score of the Senate’s Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017 shows that 22 million Americans will lose coverage by 2026. We call on the Senate to vote ‘No’ on this bill that will do irreparable harm to patients, particularly those living with chronic illnesses.
The Senate’s Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017 was drafted behind closed doors without input from patients and other stakeholders. It fails to prioritize patient needs and protect the most vulnerable Americans. If enacted, it would repeal critical patient protections afforded by the current law, making coverage more expensive and less comprehensive for far too many. The Senate should reject this ill-conceived bill and start over. Our organizations are prepared to work with Congress on a new bill to ensure all Americans have affordable, accessible, and adequate coverage.”
American Lung Association
American Heart Association
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Cancer Action Network
National Health Council
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
American Diabetes Association
March of Dimes
United Way
Arthritis Foundation
The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease
Lutheran Services in America