NCLEJ Statement on House AHCA Vote

NCLEJ is appalled by today’s House vote to pass the GOP replacement health care bill. The Republican Congress forced through a health care repeal bill that raises costs and cuts coverage against the will of their constituents. The latest version removes essential health benefits, effectively eliminating lifetime caps and discriminating against women. Insurance plans will no longer be required to cover basic services like prescription drugs and maternity coverage. People with pre-existing conditions will no longer be guaranteed coverage.

The American Health Care Act will cause 24 million Americans, especially children, seniors, peoples with disabilities, and low-income families, to lose coverage. It will end Medicaid as we know it, shifting cost burdens to the state. We urge you to continue to take action and make your voices heard as we continue to fight to preserve health care access for all.

Marc Cohan, NCLEJ Executive Director, affirms that, “NCLEJ believes that health care is a fundamental human right. This outrageous bill will deny this basic right to millions and be a catastrophic retreat from the progress that we have made in extending health care to all. The health and lives of millions of Americans are at stake, and NCLEJ will continue to ensure that health care is accessible for all.”