AHA: Congress Must Act Due to Administration Actions That Leave Million Uninsured

WASHINGTON, Feb. 28 -- The American Heart Association issued the following statement:

* * *

A group of 12 patient and consumer groups issued the following statement in response to the Urban Institute report, "The Potential Impact of Short-Term Limited-Duration (STLD) Policies on Insurance Coverage, Premiums, and Federal Spending," which estimated that nine million fewer Americans would have health insurance in 2019 as a result of the Trump administration's repeal of the individual mandate and proposed rule on STLD insurance plans:

"This new study unfortunately confirms our worst fears - the administration's changes to the Affordable Care Act over the past year are destabilizing the health insurance marketplace, jeopardizing coverage and raising costs for millions of Americans. The Urban Institute's report, released this week, provides ample evidence that the repeal of the individual mandate and efforts to bolster the sale of short-term policies will result in nine million more people without health insurance in 2019. Those with coverage who don't receive subsidies will pay on average 18 percent more for their premiums. The administration's actions will effectively end guaranteed access to healthcare for individuals with preexisting conditions.

Congress must act now and pass bipartisan legislation that will stabilize the healthcare marketplaces and ensure that Americans continue to have adequate, affordable and accessible healthcare. Our organizations stand ready to work with lawmakers to accomplish this goal before it's too late."

American Diabetes Foundation

American Heart Association

American Lung Association

Crohn's & Colitis Foundation

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Epilepsy Foundation

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Lutheran Services in America

March of Dimes

National Health Council

National Multiple Sclerosis Society

National Organization for Rare Disorders