Media Contact
Joey Johnson, National President
American Medical Student Association
Email: pr@amsa.org
A healthy, well-supported public is the foundation of a stronger United States. The American Medical Student Association (AMSA) calls on the Senate to uphold stability—protect patients’ health care and vote to reject the AHCA in response to the House of Representatives’ reckless actions.
STERLING, Virginia – May 5, 2017 – With a narrow 217-213 vote, the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday passed the American Health Care Act (AHCA), setting the stage for the dismantling of the nation’s health care system as we know it.
As the next generation of physicians, AMSA is deeply concerned about the well-being of Americans and the catastrophic impact this bill could have on tens of millions of people. “Our patients with recurring cancer could now be labeled as having pre-existing conditions and priced out of life-saving treatment,” says Dr. Daniel H. Gouger, AMSA’s education and advocacy fellow. “This bill guts coverage and essential services for millions of children on Medicaid, low-income families, seniors, women, and nearly every community across the country. These are real people—our loved ones—whose lives are at risk. As future physicians, we must stand firm and demand that the Senate reject this bill.”
The House’s recklessness in passing this legislation without a Congressional Budget Office (CBO) score cannot be overstated. Without objective financial analysis, the full economic consequences remain unknown, exposing the House’s failure to make responsible, data-driven improvements to the nation’s health care system.
The Senate will now review and vote on the AHCA. Notably, this revised version, unlike the one rejected in March:
Eliminates key protections ensuring Americans receive necessary care, allowing states to opt out of covering pre-existing conditions and essential health benefits, leading to the return of unsustainable high-risk insurance pools.
Cuts over $800 billion in federal Medicaid funding over the next decade, jeopardizing coverage for 11 million people who gained access through Medicaid expansion. Medicaid covers nearly half of all births in the U.S. each year. States will be forced to fill the funding gap by raising taxes or diverting funds from other critical areas like education and infrastructure.
Strips coverage for reproductive health services, mental health care, behavioral health, and substance abuse treatment—at a time when the country faces the most devastating opioid epidemic of our generation.
Denying people access to health care so that only a privileged few can fully participate in society is a fundamental violation of human rights. Health care is not a luxury—it is essential. People depend on their coverage to stay healthy, support their families, maintain employment, and contribute to their communities. Stripping away health care means stripping away opportunities for millions. This is more than a health care issue.
We are the future physicians of America, and we believe health care should be accessible to all. While Congress continues its assault on Americans’ rights to health care, wellness, and a better future, AMSA remains vigilant. We know this fight is far from over, and we will continue to advocate for the care and rights of our patients, working toward a stronger and more equitable health care system for all.
About AMSA:
AMSA is the oldest and largest independent association of physicians-in-training in the United States. Founded in 1950, AMSA is a student-governed, non-profit organization committed to representing the concerns of physicians-in-training. To learn more about AMSA, our strategic priorities, or joining the organization, please visit us online at http://amsa.org.
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