The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) has shared the following Statement.
May 10, 2017 - Last week the House of Representatives voted to pass the American Health Care Act (AHCA) – legislation that would repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and eliminate or reduce many of the services and supports that people with disabilities depend on to live independently.
The bill now goes to the Senate where it is expected to be revised or rewritten before going back to the House for reconciliation. As such, we need to keep up the pressure and make sure Members of Congress understand the very real impact this healthcare legislation has on people with disabilities and their families.
While the legislation is expected to change in the Senate, the current form of the AHCA:
- Cuts over $800 billion from Medicaid
- Makes 24 million people lose their health care
- Increases the number of people going into nursing homes and institutions
- Reduces or eliminates essential health benefits (including prescription drugs, mental health services, rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices, and more)
- Charges more for those who have a pre-existing condition
Take Action
We need to double our advocacy efforts to the 217 US Representatives (all Republicans) that voted ‘Yes’ on the AHCA to help them understand why this bill is a bad deal for people with disabilities. This legislation will lead to higher health care costs, less coverage, and a greater risk of institutionalization.
We also need to thank our allies, the 213 US Representatives (193 Democrats and 20 Republicans) that voted ‘No’ on the AHCA. They need to know that the disability community appreciates their support and backs their decision. It will be important to underscore our support of these Members’ decision if this legislation returns to the House for a reconciliation vote.
For more from the American Association of People with Disabilities, visit: www.aapd.com/
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