Center for Medicare Advocacy Issues Statement on Affordable Care Act

WILLIMANTIC, Conn., July 28 -- The Center for Medicare Advocacy issued the following statement:

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Early this morning the Senate failed to pass the latest attempt to dismantle the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

The following is a statement from Judith Stein, Executive Director and founder of the Center for Medicare Advocacy:

"The failure of the Senate to pass the so-called 'skinny' ACA repeal, coupled with the failure of previous bills that would have gutted Medicaid, undermined Medicare, and left millions uninsured, is a well-earned, if temporary, victory for health care advocates and families all over the country.

"We are enormously grateful to all the Senators who voted against this latest effort, most notably Republican Senators Collins, Murkowski and McCain, who recognized the harm such legislation would inflict on their constituents and bravely blocked passage. By the narrowest of margins, common sense prevailed.

"This moment would not have been possible without the continued efforts of everyone who made their voices heard, told their stories, and insisted that Congress protect our health care. We thank you and honor you for your effective perseverance.

"It's time to stop partisan, secret, rushed moves to repeal health care and begin a true deliberative effort to solve the issues confronting our health care system.

"We know that some policymakers will still try to sabotage the ACA and gut Medicaid. We know Medicare also remains threatened by those who want to privatize it and let it "wither on the vine." The Center for Medicare Advocacy will take a grateful deep breath, and then continue to fight with our remarkable allies for the health and welfare of the ACA, Medicaid, Medicare, and American families."