Statement of Betsy Ryan, New Jersey Hospital Association President and CEO, on the Congressional Budget Office's score of the AHCA

PRINCETON, N.J., May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "The analysis of the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office reinforces our grave concerns about the American Health Care Act. Twenty-three million Americans face cuts to the healthcare services they depend on. By 2026, an estimated 51 million people under age 65 would be uninsured, compared with 28 million who would lack insurance under current law. The bill threatens the health of millions of people including children and families, senior citizens and those who are living with health conditions such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes.

"The cost is especially high here in New Jersey, where at least 800,000 people face the loss of their health insurance, and deep Medicaid cuts threaten access to care for 1.8 million beneficiaries. I worry for them, and I'm saddened that their health has not been made a priority.

"The AHCA reverses years of progress we have made in reducing our nation's high number of uninsured, in promoting preventive care, in keeping people well in their communities and, in general, reforming our healthcare system to make it sustainable for a long future of providing care. The immediate threat is to the 23 million people who face the loss of their health insurance coverage and to New Jersey taxpayers who would see a dramatic cut in federal funds flowing into our state. The long-term costs may be an infinitely less healthy population and a growing national burden to care for them. I'm especially concerned about the CBO's statements regarding the growth of bare-bones health plans under the amended law – plans so woeful in covering individuals' health needs that the CBO said 'they would not cover major medical risks and that are not counted as insurance in this cost estimate.'

"Now, as all eyes turn to the Senate to stop this devastating piece of legislation, we are grateful for New Jersey Sens. Bob Menendez and Cory Booker who stand with the healthcare community against the AHCA."

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SOURCE New Jersey Hospital Association (NJHA)