Minnesota’s doctors enter Obamacare debate

Jan. 12--The organization representing many of Minnesota's doctors is getting involved in the discussion over repealing the Affordable Care Act.

"The current effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) without clear guidance as to what a replacement plan will encompass is reckless," said a letter to Minnesota's congressional delegation signed by Dr. David Agerter, president of the Minnesota Medical Association.

With Republicans in control of both the House and Senate and Republican Donald Trump to be sworn in as president a week from Friday, the GOP is in position to overturn the health reform package that was the signature legislation during the Obama administration.

The Senate already has passed the first resolution in the repeal process.

But Obama and other Democrats have argued that Republicans should have a replacement plan ready to vote on at the same time as a repeal.

The MMA's letter echoes that view.

"A wholesale repeal of the ACA -- without a defined and understandable path forward -- will cause significant uncertainty and potentially real harm," the letter states. "Patients with serious illnesses and chronic disease will likely experience stress and confusion about their insurance coverage."

MMA spokesman Dan Hauser said the letter resulted from a discussion on Monday among the organization's board members. They moved quickly with the letter, he said, knowing that Congress will be voting soon.

The Minnesota delegation consists of three Republicans and seven Democrats, including Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken and Rep. Rick Nolan of Crosby.

The MMA, which has more than 10,000 members, represents doctors, residents, fellows and medical students.

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