The National Council on Independent Living is deeply disappointed by the House’s 217-213 passage of the American Health Care Act (AHCA) yesterday. This bill represents a huge step backwards for people with disabilities who – if this bill is passed into law – will face higher health care costs, less coverage, and a greater risk of institutionalization. Specifically, the AHCA would do this by:
- Slashing Medicaid funding by over $800 billion
- Eliminating protections for people with pre-existing conditions
- Ending the enhanced Federal funding for the Community First Choice Option
- Eliminating the ten Essential Health Benefits
- Making fundamental changes to the ACA’s premium subsidies and other assistance
- Ending Medicaid Expansion
The bill now heads to the Senate, where it only needs 51 votes to pass. We need the Senate to reject this disastrous bill, so we have to keep fighting to ensure they do just that.
Take Action!
First: Make sure Congress knows we’re going to hold them accountable. See how your Representative voted. If your Representative voted against the AHCA, thank them! If your Representative voted for it, let them know how disappointed you are and just how harmful their vote was.
Then: Start talking to your Senators! We need to make sure every single Senator understands the dangerous implications of the AHCA. Reach out to them today to let them know your concerns. Then call their offices to schedule a meeting with them over the Memorial Day Recess at the end of the month.
Today is a sad day, but there is still hope. Please join us in working to ensure that the ACHA does not become law!
(image description: NCIL in capital black letters. Underneath the letters NCIL is National Council on Independent Living. A blue circle surrounds the letters NCIL and National Council on Independent Living.)
