Not sound health reform

The revised version of the American Health Care Act passed by the House is not sound health reform. The bill continues to decimate New York's Medicaid program, which covers 6 million people. The per capita Medicaid model proposed will affect everyone not just Medicaid recipients because a finite amount of Medicaid money to the state means cuts in services and eligibility restrictions. Those with commercial insurance will end up paying higher premiums, as providers look to close gaps left by Medicaid shortfalls. About 70 percent of Medicaid spending in our state covers care for the elderly and disabled, including children. These people will still need care. And even more disheartening is the amendment to cut $2.3 billion in Medicaid funding by shifting the cost burden from the counties to the state. This amendment was advanced by New York congressmen Faso and Collins and it leaves a huge hole in New York's budget. The House bill brings us back to pre-ACA days, when insurers could charge those with pre-existing conditions more, and it allows insurers to charge up to five times more for older Americans. Access to insurance is meaningless if premiums are unaffordable and the coverage is not comprehensive.