NCOA Issues Statement on House Passage of American Health Care Act

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The National Council on Aging issued the following statement by Howard Bedlin,vice president of public policy and advocacy, on the House passage of the American Health Care Act:

"Today, the House of Representatives chose to pass the AHCA - the first step in dismantling the protections and access to health insurance provided by Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act.

"Absent a score from the Congressional Budget Office, supporters of the bill cannot properly understand the impact it will have on older Americans and their families. Health care is one of the largest expenses for every household in America, and the AHCA will increase the number of Americans without insurance by over 24 million and make it harder for pre-Medicare older adults to find affordable health insurance.

"We hope the Senate will reject the devastating effects the AHCA will have on too many Americans. In addition to making health insurance unrealistically expensive for older Americans and others with pre-existing conditions, the AHCA dismantles Medicaid for our most vulnerable citizens, weakens the Medicare Trust Fund, and repeals cost-effective prevention and home care programs.

"Access to affordable health insurance is pivotal for every American who wants to age on their own terms. We hope the Senate will agree and take steps to ensure that the Affordable Care Act's core protections remain intact and that Medicaid continues to provide access to quality services for those in greatest need.

"We will continue to be a part of the Senate health care conversation to ensure that the voices of vulnerable older adults are heard loud and clear in the discussion."