According to CBO Report, 14 Million Will Lose Health Coverage If American Health Care Act Passes
March 13, 2017
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released a long-anticipated cost estimate on the American Health Care Act (AHCA), the Republican healthcare alternative that would repeal the landmark Affordable Care Act (ACA) signed into law by President Obama in 2010. Since the passage of the ACA, approximately 20 million people have gained healthcare coverage, including over 6 million Latinos. According to the latest CBO report, the AHCA would result in an estimated 14 million people losing coverage and a 15-20 percent rise in insurance premiums. In addition, the report claims that the bill would reduce the deficit by $337 billion over the next decade, with the bulk of those savings due to decreased financial assistance for low-income families who need help paying for insurance coverage.
“The Latino community made historic insurance coverage gains under the Affordable Care Act, and wiping out those gains through this legislation is unacceptable,” said LULAC National President Roger C. Rocha, Jr. “Although aspects of the Affordable Care Act need improvement, the AHCA repeal bill is not the answer. Passing a law that leaves 14 million people without coverage and saddling others with higher premiums is a step backwards. It is completely irresponsible to give $285 billion in tax breaks to the top 1%, while increasing costs for elderly low income Americans who rely on subsidies and Medicaid the most.”
According to the Congressional Budget Office, the gradual elimination of the Medicaid expansion under the ACA will result in 24 million people becoming uninsured over a ten year period.
“Our community needs better coverage, more financial assistance for low-income families, strong protections for people with pre-existing conditions, and a focus–not on access–but on coverage for all Americans," said Rocha. “Any bill that undermines the gains in coverage made under the Affordable Care Act or causes additional premium hikes on vulnerable individuals negates the significant progress made by the ACA in reducing the uninsured rate. LULAC will continue its advocacy efforts with Members of Congress and call for improving the ACA to ensure that Latinos are not left without health insurance critical to living healthy and productive lives.”
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The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 1000 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit www.lulac.org.