Medicare Rights Center Issues Statement on Affordable Care Act Repeal Bill

NEW YORK, Sept. 15 -- The Medicare Rights Center issued the following statement by President Joe Baker on reports that the Senate is contemplating an Affordable Care Act repeal bill:

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Recent reports suggest the U.S. Senate is once again contemplating an Affordable Care Act (ACA) repeal bill, developed by Senators Graham, Cassidy, Heller, and Johnson, that would cause tens of millions of Americans to lose health care coverage. The proposal also includes devastating cuts to Medicaid, especially harming older adults, people with disabilities, and their families. Any threat to Medicaid is a threat to Medicare and the 11 million people who rely on both programs for basic health and financial security.

Once again, we call upon all members of Congress to do what the American people want them to do--work together on health care. Only a bipartisan process, and a return to regular order, can facilitate real reforms to the ACA that will enhance access and affordability for every American, including for older adults and people with disabilities. Medicaid and Medicare must be protected and coverage must be expanded not eliminated. The nation's health depends on it.

For more information on the Medicare program and proposals under consideration to change it, visit the Medicare Rights Center's "Protect and Strengthen" webpage at www.medicarerights.org/protect.