Statement on Senate Rejection of Health Care Freedom Act

WASHINGTON, July 28 -- The America's Essential Hospitals issued the following news release:

Today's Senate decision to reject legislation to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is welcome news for millions of Americans and the nation's essential hospitals, which care for people who face social and financial hardships.

Americans want and deserve a truly deliberative and bipartisan process to reduce barriers to health care and fix the shortcomings of the ACA. Sens. McCain and Schumer made clear their desire to bridge political and ideological divides, and we hope all lawmakers follow their lead. The health and economic stability of millions of people depend on our elected leaders working together to preserve gains in coverage and ensure hospitals have the resources necessary to meet their mission of caring for those in need.

Efforts to protect our hospitals and their patients must start now by averting damaging cuts to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments, set to start Oct. 1. Congress also must renew its commitment to the Children's Health Insurance Program and other key elements of the safety net.

The nation's essential hospitals can help lawmakers find solutions to our most pressing health care problems. Let's all get to work now.