Statement on CBO Estimates of Better Care Reconciliation Act

22 million people losing health insurance is unconscionable

“The CBO estimate of 22 million people losing health insurance should be a bill stopper.  This bill was supposed to increase the number of people who have health insurance.  As it stands the legislation is unconscionable,” said Jane L. Delgado, PhD, MS, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health, the nation’s leading Hispanic health advocacy group.

“It’s time for legislators to go back to the drafting table.  The American people deserve bipartisan legislation that will deliver on the promise of insurance for everybody.  Congress must (1) ensure access for people with pre-existing conditions instead of enacting barriers to access that may be a death sentence; (2) roll back Medicaid cuts and allow for rates of growth that reflect the reality of an aging population; (3) ensure an orderly transition that does not disrupt care and ensures states can respond to changes in a way that reduces cost growth without compromising quality and access; and, (4) strengthen and expand the network of community health centers that have a proven capacity to deliver quality services,” emphasized Dr. Delgado.

“The one thing that everybody agrees on is that our system is not perfect, so it is time to start working in a bipartisan fashion and serve the interests of the nation.  The American people deserve better,” concluded Dr. Delgado.

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About the National Alliance for Hispanic Health (The Alliance) 
The Alliance is the nation's foremost science-based source of information and trusted advocate for the best health outcomes for all. For more information, visit: http://www.healthyamericas.org or call the Alliance's Su Familia National Hispanic Family Health Helpline at 1-866-783-2645.