Media Contact:
Kelly Thibert, DO, MPH National President
American Medical Student Association
Email: [email protected]
Sterling, VA – March 24, 2017: The American Medical Student Association (AMSA) applauds the advocacy and activism of the individuals, organizations, and Members of the House of Representatives who worked diligently to prevent the American Health Care Act (AHCA) from becoming law today, protecting the health coverage of 24 million Americans. The decision not to proceed with the vote on the AHCA confirms that healthcare advocates and concerned legislators successfully voiced their opposition, highlighting the severe harm the bill would have caused to our nation’s health.
Under the previously proposed AHCA, the federal government’s commitment to Medicaid would have been reduced by $880 billion over ten years, representing a 25 percent cut by 2026. This would have resulted in approximately 14 million individuals losing Medicaid coverage. Coupled with eliminating the individual mandate, the Congressional Budget Office projected that 14 million more Americans would have become uninsured in 2018, growing to 21 million by 2021 and 24 million by 2026. Had the AHCA been fully enacted, a total of 52 million Americans would have been uninsured, an outcome AMSA finds entirely unacceptable.
As future physicians, we believe it is our moral responsibility to advocate for our patients, many of whom depend on healthcare coverage provided by the current system. They rely on their insurance to remain healthy, support their families, maintain employment, and actively engage in their communities. Removing healthcare coverage from these individuals means undermining their health, livelihoods, and community involvement.
At a moment when healthcare improvements are finally benefiting many patients who previously lacked access, it is alarming to see attempts by the administration to reverse these advancements. Losing access to healthcare threatens the health, livelihoods, family stability, and community involvement of millions.
AMSA strongly advocates for a publicly financed single-payer healthcare system, such as the “Expanded and Improved Medicare for All Act.” Until such a system is implemented, we will continue to support the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which has expanded comprehensive coverage and healthcare access to millions without discrimination.
As America’s future physicians, AMSA remains committed to protecting patient rights and ensuring universal access to quality healthcare. Though today’s bill was withdrawn, we remain vigilant against future threats, as the current administration has repeatedly demonstrated a willingness to jeopardize healthcare access. AMSA will continue tirelessly advocating for improved healthcare systems and delivery, consistently prioritizing patient health and rights.
About AMSA:
AMSA is the oldest and largest independent association of physicians-in-training in the United States. Founded in 1950, AMSA is a student-governed, non-profit organization committed to representing the concerns of physicians-in-training. To learn more about AMSA, our strategic priorities, or joining the organization, please visit us online at http://amsa.org.
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