AHIP CEO Tavenner Issues Statement on American Health Care Act

WASHINGTON, May 5 -- America's Health Insurance Plans issued the following statement by President and CEO Marilyn Tavenner upon the passage of the American Health Care Act (AHCA) by the House:

"AHIP believes that every American deserves coverage and care that is affordable and accessible, including those with pre-existing conditions. The American Health Care Act needs important improvements to better protect low- and moderate-income families who rely on Medicaid or buy their own coverage. We stand ready to work with members of the Senate and all policymakers, offering our recommendations for how this bill can be improved to ensure the private market delivers affordable coverage for all Americans.

"Immediate challenges exist in the individual market today, and the bill includes key provisions to stabilize the market in 2018 and 2019. We need certainty now about funding for cost-sharing reductions that lower copayments for patients so they can better afford to get care from their doctor. The tax credit should be enhanced to reduce premiums and better meet the needs of people with low and modest incomes, are older, or live in areas with high health care costs.

"We want to work with the Senate to ensure the continued strength of the Medicaid program, which delivers real value to more than 70 million Americans. States need adequate resources to administer an efficient, effective program that helps beneficiaries improve their health. If changes are made to criteria for who is covered by Medicaid, we need to give people more time to adjust - and more time for the individual market to stabilize.

"More than 80 million Americans rely on the Medicaid and individual market, and they deserve affordable coverage and access to quality care. AHIP believes that by working together, we can create good private market solutions that improve the health and financial stability of all people."

About AHIP

America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) is the national association whose members provide coverage for health care and related services to millions of Americans every day. Through these offerings, we improve and protect the health and financial security of consumers, families, businesses, communities and the nation. We are committed to market-based solutions and public-private partnerships that improve affordability, value, access and well-being for consumers. Visit www.ahip.org Learn more about health insurance and how it works at myhealthplan.guide