CCHI Responds to GOP's Withdrawal of the AHCA Proposal to “Replace” ACA

CCHI Responds to GOP’s Withdrawal of AHCA Proposal to “Replace” ACA

Statement of Adam Fox,
Colorado Consumer Health Initiative director of strategic engagement

This afternoon, the U.S. House Republicans withdrew their attempt to repeal and “replace” the Affordable Care Act with their American Health Care Act. Adam Fox, Colorado Consumer Health Initiative (CCHI) director of strategic engagement for the state’s leading health care advocacy group for consumers, released this statement:

“Today we saw Congress respond to the public disapproval of the GOP’s effort to repeal the ACA by withdrawing their bill on the American Health Care Act. If the vote is not rescheduled, this will be a huge victory for consumers nationwide, 24 million of whom would have lost coverage if this passed. At least for now, the health coverage of more than 600,000 Coloradans is protected, and Colorado can continue to move forward to improve our health care system in our state. The disarray that became the hallmark of this repeal effort was astounding and threatened to throw health care nationwide into chaos.

“While consumers are breathing a sigh of relief, several of Colorado’s Representatives still have not committed to opposing this incredibly unpopular bill. Despite opposition from hospitals, doctors, nurses, some insurers and their own constituents, they are still considering stripping health care from 600,000 Coloradans, gutting Medicaid and shifting costs to Colorado that we can’t afford, and making health coverage more expensive. Coloradans don’t want to strip away health care for children, people with disabilities and seniors while giving $50,000 tax breaks to millionaires.”

“Defeat of the American Health Care Act, even a potentially temporary one, on the day after the anniversary of the ACA becoming law is cause for celebration. We still have a lot of work to do improving health care in our state, but today, the future for Colorado is brighter.”

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Colorado Consumer Health Initiative represents 45+ Colorado organizations and individual members representing more than 500,000 Colorado consumers, advocating for affordable, accessible, quality health care for all Coloradans.