PORTLAND, Ore.—CareOregon and its national association, ACAP, believe it is time for everyone to stand up and be heard. The ACA made it possible for 95% of Oregonians to have health care. The attached letter expresses our concerns about Congress’ decision to vote Thursday on the American Health Care Act before Americans have the opportunity to examine it and share their thoughts.
STATEMENT OF ACAP IN OPPOSITION TO THE AMERICAN HEALTH CARE ACT
WASHINGTON, DC—Margaret A. Murray, CEO of the Association for Community Affiliated Plans, made the following statement on the American Health Care Act:
“President Trump and Congress have before them an abundance of opportunities to improve the American health care system. The American Health Care Act is not one of them.
“Despite ACAP’s good-faith efforts to provide constructive input on the American Health Care Act, ACAP has concluded that the AHCA poses a fundamental threat to the health care of millions of Americans. We are left with little choice but to oppose this bill.
“In an effort to engage in constructive dialogue, ACAP sent a letter to leaders in both houses of Congress outlining our concerns with the AHCA. Safety Net Health Plans cover nearly half of all people in Medicaid managed care and are dedicated to delivering high-quality, cost-effective coordinated care services to low-income and medically vulnerable populations.
“But we do not believe that a bill that results in the loss of health coverage for up to 24 million Americans improves the health care system. This loss of coverage—largely concentrated among people with low incomes—strikes at the heart of the values of our member Safety Net Health Plans.
“ACAP calls on the Senate to disregard the AHCA and begin this effort anew with a clean sheet of paper. ACAP is eager to engage in productive conversations around reforming the health care system and are not averse to discussing ideas to improve programs in which we operate. While the House has demonstrated its unwillingness to engage in such a dialogue with industry stakeholders, we urge the Senate to take a different approach and seek common ground that improves the health care system for all Americans.”
About CareOregon
CareOregon is a nonprofit community benefits company that’s been involved in health plan services, reforms and innovations since 1994, serving Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) and Medicare members and their communities. Our mission is cultivating individual well-being and community health through shared learning and innovation. Our vision is healthy communities for all individuals, regardless of income or social circumstances. We focus on the total health of our members, not just traditional health care. In teaming up with members, their families and their communities, we help Oregonians live better lives, prevent illness and respond effectively to health issues.
About ACAP
ACAP represents 59 nonprofit Safety Net Health Plans in 28 states, which collectively serve more than seventeen million people enrolled in Medicaid, Medicare, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and other public health programs. For more information, visit www.communityplans.net.
