MA Medical Society Releases Statement Opposing Trump’s Health Care Act
Sunday, March 12, 2017
The act is the Trump administration’s plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare
The statement was released by James Gessner, the President of the Massachusetts Medical Society.
Read the Statement Below
“The Massachusetts Medical Society strongly opposes the American Health Care Act. Although we do not know exactly how many thousands of people would be impacted, it is clear that by placing a cap on federal Medicaid funding, the bill would force many low-income people in the Commonwealth to lose their health coverage.
Even more beneficiaries would lose Medicaid permanently under the punitive provision that prevents patients from re-enrolling after a break in eligibility. People with inconsistent incomes, for example seasonal workers, would lose the coverage they need in financially challenging times.
In addition, without important Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, many residents who have been able to afford reliable health care coverage would no longer be able to do so. Not only does this force many working Americans to live without the regular access to care – such as regular checkups and early diagnoses – that can prevent higher long-term costs, it also takes away their peace of mind.
As physicians, members of the MMS know what happens when our patients do not benefit from comprehensive coverage and preventive efforts: people become sicker, our communities suffer, and overall health care costs rise as early diagnosis and treatment are replaced by acute care response.
Under the American Health Care Act, patients here in the Commonwealth and across the country will fall through the cracks – and the patients who will be most impacted are also the most vulnerable.
The ACA has helped to create a system that promotes well-being and peace of mind for our neighbors in need. That’s why the Massachusetts Medical Society continues to support the Affordable Care Act, and why we are opposed to the American Health Care Act.
We thank the members of our Congressional delegation for their ongoing support for the ACA, and today commend Representatives Richard Neal and Joseph Kennedy for their voices in opposition to the AHCA this week before the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Energy and Commerce Committee, respectively.”
Related Slideshow: Trump Inauguration
Related Articles
- Central MA Medical Marijuana Race Narrows to 13 Players
- NEW: MA Medical Society Applauds CVS for Terminating Tobacco Sales
- NEW: 2 Worcester Agencies Awarded MA Medical Society Grants
- MA Medical Society Urges Stricter Regulation of E-Cigarettes
- NEW: MA Medical Society Testifies on Medical Marijuana Regulations
- MA Medical Marijuana Biz: Boom or Bust?
- NEW: MA Medical Society Cites Concerns on Medical Marijuana Law
- Nearly Half of MA Medical Marijuana Dispensary Licenses Eliminated
- MA Medical Marijuana Delays/Missteps Continue to Outrage Advocates
- NEW: MA Medical Society President Calls Opioid Crisis Top Priority
- MA Medical Society, 10 Other Physician Groups Oppose Recreational Marijuana
- Gov. Baker Files New Substance Use Legislation, MA Medical Society Has Concerns
- MA Medical Society Part of Task Force to Reduce Opioid Abuse
- Worcester’s Dimitri M.D., Named President of MA Medical Society
- MA Medical Society Welcomes Governor’s Opioid Report
- Sen. Markey to Give Keynote Address at MA Medical Society’s Summit on Opioids
Follow us on Pinterest Google + Facebook Twitter See It Read It