Health experts: Proposed ACA replacement would be a “disaster”
The American Public Health Association (APHA) says independent, nonpartisan analysis from the Congressional Budget Office released this week shows that 14 million Americans next year and 24 million by 2026 will lose health insurance under the American Health Care Act, the measure intended to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, and most people will pay higher premiums in the short-term — an increase of 15-20 percent for policyholders.
"This proposal is more of a health policy disaster than it appeared to be when unveiled last week," said Georges C. Benjamin, MD, executive director of APHA. "Coverage matters when it comes to preventing disease and ensuring health and well-being. Unfortunately, this bill as written will result in more people losing coverage they desperately need than gained coverage under the Affordable Care Act. We know that the absence of health insurance translates into premature death for many.