AAMC Issues Statement on Graham-Cassidy Proposal

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The Association of American Medical Colleges issued the following statement by President and CEO Darrell G. Kirch on the proposed health care reform legislation sponsored by Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., Bill Cassidy, R-La., Dean Heller, R-Nev., and Ron Johnson, R-Wis.:

"Today, I sent a letter (https://www.aamc.org/download/482922/data/aamclettertosenateongraham-cassidyproposal.pdf) to all senators urging them to reject the Graham-Cassidy-Heller-Johnson proposal and, instead, to continue to engage with health care stakeholders to craft a bipartisan bill that is responsive to the issues presented during the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) and Finance committee hearings.

During the long debate regarding health care reform, the nation's medical schools and teaching hospitals have continually advocated for a number of key principles as fundamental cornerstones of any successful health care system. These principles include offering high-quality, affordable health insurance to all; preserving and fortifying the safety net through Medicaid and other policies; and encouraging innovation in the delivery system, among others.

The current proposal does not meet these principles and will almost surely lead to dramatic increases in the number of uninsured patients nationwide and put important existing patient protections at risk. Additionally, a proposal like this--a complete overhaul of the health care system--should be fully and adequately examined by the Congressional Budget Office before it is brought to a vote.

In contrast, we appreciate the thoughtful and deliberative work of the Senate HELP and Finance Committees to address flaws in the health care marketplace.

The nation's medical schools and teaching hospitals stand ready to work with Congress to improve and protect the health of all Americans."