ANA to Participate in Press Conference with U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow, Jeff Merkley, and Maggie Hassan on Opposition to AHCA

Jun 21st 2017

CONTACT:

Veronica Byrd, 301-628-5057

Rachel Farbman, 301-628-5062

SILVER SPRING, MD – The American Nurses Association (ANA) announced today that it will participate in a press conference with U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) on Thursday, June 22 at the U.S. Capitol to highlight how the American Health Care Act (AHCA) would end Essential Health Benefits for millions of families across the country. Also, on Tuesday, June 20, ANA sent a letter to GOP Senate leaders reiterating its strong opposition to the AHCA. ANA is deeply disappointed with Senate plans to rush the secretly crafted proposal to the floor for a vote without holding hearings or allowing ample opportunity for analysis and public feedback of the proposal which would drastically impact the 23 million Americans who stand to lose coverage. The event will stream live here.

“Medicaid is a critical lifeline for millions of Americans,” said ANA President Pamela F. Cipriano, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN. “In the face of the tremendous health care challenges faced by our country, such as the opioid epidemic and mental illness, AHCA threatens to end coverage of life-saving treatment services and jeopardizes the well-being of poor and middle-class families, working adults, pregnant women, children and people with disabilities.”

AHCA would cut Medicaid funding by $800 billion, dramatically increase premiums for seniors, restrict millions of women from access to health care, weaken the sustainability of Medicare, and repeal income-based subsidies that have made health insurance affordable for millions of families. In addition, insurers would be able to decline coverage for substance abuse treatment, maternity care, and preventive services.

Nurses serve in many health care settings, providing expert, compassionate care for people throughout every stage of life. ANA is committed to working with Congress to improve quality and provide affordable coverage to all Americans. As the organization representing the nation’s largest group of health care professionals and the nation’s most honest and ethical profession, ANA strongly urges the Senate to slow down this process to allow adequate time for analysis, hearings, and ample opportunity for public comment on the proposed legislation.

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The American Nurses Association (ANA) is the premier organization representing the interests of the nation's 4 million registered nurses. ANA advances the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting a safe and ethical work environment, bolstering the health and wellness of nurses, and advocating on health care issues that affect nurses and the public. ANA is at the forefront of improving the quality of health care for all. For more information, visit www.nursingworld.org.

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