AMA urges Senate to reject efforts to repeal or replace ACA

On behalf of the physician and medical student members of the American Medical Association, (AMA) we urge the Senate to reject efforts to repeal or replace the Affordable Care Act. Recent revisions do not correct core elements that will lead to millions of Americans losing health insurance coverage with a resulting decline in both health status and outcomes.

In numerous communications this year, we have urged Congress to approach reform of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in a manner consistent with a number of key objectives. These objectives, embedded in AMA policy and ratified by the representatives of the more than 190 state and national medical specialty organizations represented in the AMA House of Delegates, have formed the basis for AMA consideration of reforms to our health care system. Among these priorities are efforts to ensure that those currently covered do not become uninsured; the preservation of key insurance market reforms and efforts to stabilize and strengthen the individual insurance market; ensuring that low and moderate income patients are able to secure affordable and meaningful coverage; and the provision of adequate funding for Medicaid and other safety net programs.