Sen. Tester Defends Montanans, Protects Rural Hospitals, Fights for Lower Premiums

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20 -- The office of Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., issued the following news release:

U.S. Senator Jon Tester today joined Montana hospital and nursing home CEOs in voicing strong opposition to a controversial health care bill proposed by Senators Lindsay Graham and Bill Cassidy.

"This dangerous bill will raise rates, kick hardworking folks off their health plans, and shutter rural hospitals," said Tester. "Washington politicians must start listening to Montanans and stop pushing their political agendas onto us. I will continue to fight for lower health care costs, better access, and a healthier Montana."

In a press call with Montana reporters, Tester and President of the Montana Hospital Association Dick Brown, CEO of Billings Clinic Dr. Randy Gibb, CEO of Northern Rockies Medical Center in Cut Bank Cherie Taylor, and CEO of Immanuel Lutheran Communities in Kalispell Jason Cronk all raised serious concerns about the impact this legislation would have on rural communities.

"The Graham-Cassidy Bill will jeopardize many lives that are covered today," said Dick Brown, President of the Montana Hospital Association. "We urge the Senate to oppose this bill, and instead protect the health coverage of vulnerable Montanans."

This latest health care proposal:

* Caps and cuts federal funding for Medicaid, a move that threatens rural hospitals, nursing homes and care for disabled children

* Ends federal funding for Medicaid expansion and prevents new states from expanding Medicaid

* Repeals tax credits, which help cover insurance premiums

* Eliminates the Prevention and Public Health Fund, which pays for preventive care and disease prevention

Tester has sponsored five bills to improve the current health care system. You can read about them HERE: https://www.tester.senate.gov/files/documents/ACA%20Fix%20One%20Pager%207.21.17%20FINAL.pdf.