Eight prominent patient, provider and consumer advocate groups announced today they are joining forces to host a series of events in states across the country to highlight the need to protect patient access to affordable and adequate care as the health debate continues in Washington, D.C. The groups, citing concerns that the American Health Care Act (AHCA) would impose additional costs and risks on many Americans, are AARP, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), the American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, American Hospital Association (AHA), American Medical Association (AMA), Federation of American Hospitals (FAH) and March of Dimes.
To start, the groups plan to host events in Colorado, Ohio, Nevada, and West Virginia in the weeks ahead. Throughout the events, the groups will address shortcomings in four main areas: affordability of insurance, access to essential care, protection for those on Medicaid, and protections for those with employer-sponsored health insurance. The first event, to be held in Cleveland, Ohio, on Thursday, June 15, will feature local patients and health care providers and will be moderated by new AMA President Dr. David Barbe. Additional details for each event will be announced as they become available.
