June 26, 2017 – The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) today released its score of the Better Care Reconciliation Act, the U.S. Senate’s proposed legislation to repeal the Affordable Care Act. The following is a statement from New York Health Foundation President and CEO David Sandman on the potential consequences for New York:
“The Congressional Budget Office analysis makes clear that the Senate bill will dramatically cut and undermine the Medicaid program, make private coverage less affordable and comprehensive, and defund important public health programs. Under the proposed bill, 22 million more Americans would be uninsured by 2026. Medicaid enrollment is expected to decrease by 16%, and private premiums are projected to increase 20% in 2018.
The bill places some of the sickest and most vulnerable New Yorkers at risk of losing their health care coverage and access to needed services.
Should the bill pass, it would undermine the gains seen in New York and nationally under the Affordable Care Act. More than 2.4 million New Yorkers have enrolled in Medicaid through the New York State of Health Marketplace; the Senate plan puts many of them at risk of losing their coverage.
New York’s vision and our values endure no matter what happens in Washington. While I am confident the State will stretch fewer dollars as far as it can, it will be impossible to sustain current levels of health insurance under the proposed legislation. The health and economic security of New Yorkers and all Americans is at risk.”
About the New York Health Foundation
The New York Health Foundation (NYHealth) is a private, statewide foundation dedicated to improving the health of all New Yorkers, especially the most vulnerable. Find NYHealth online at www.nyhealth.org and on Twitter at @NYHFoundation.
