06.19.2017

MHA Joins Sen. Markey, Other Healthcare Leaders to Denounce ACA Repeal Legislation

MHA President & CEO Lynn Nicholas, FACHE, joined Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), MHA member Patrick Wardell, MBA, CEO of Cambridge Health Alliance, other healthcare leaders, advocates and concerned patients to discuss their strong opposition to efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA/Obamacare) and replace it with legislation that would make drastic cuts to the Medicaid program and end health coverage for millions of Americans.

“The legislative changes now being considered in Congress would dismantle the most important elements of Obamacare that are in fact working as intended and working well,” said Nicholas. “Our state’s hospitals urge the U.S. Senate to remember what is at stake and to vote against any legislation that would undermine the ability of hospitals to continue our lifesaving and compassionate work.”

Markey criticized the GOP House healthcare bill that passed last month for, among other things, its massive cuts to Medicaid and health insurance coverage. He decried the fact that Senate Republicans are crafting separate ACA repeal legislation behind closed doors, with no planned hearings, public debate or amendments.

“Republicans may try to hide this bill because they know how bad it is and unpopular it will be, but we must cut through that secrecy and demand transparency,” said Senator Markey.

The event was held at Cambridge Health Alliance, and also included remarks by Brian Rosman, Director of Policy and Government Relations, Health Care For All; Richard Odom, member of the Massachusetts Senior Action Council and MassHealth recipient; and Don Summerfield and Dianna Hu, Boston Center for Independent Living.