Washington, D.C.—July 28, 2017—Early this morning the U.S. Senate fell short of the votes needed to pass legislation that would have repealed parts of the current health care law, likely resulting in millions losing health insurance and patients paying more for less coverage.
A statement from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network follows:
“Lawmakers should view this vote as an opportunity to work together in a bipartisan way to strengthen the nation’s current health care system. Senators Collins, McCain and Murkowski should be commended for putting patients before politics and insisting on a more deliberate process that doesn’t lead to a flawed bill that exacerbates rather than addresses the challenges patients continue to face.
“Thoughtful people on both sides of the political divide agree that the current health care law should be amended. Health care costs are too high, premiums are too expensive for middle-income families and steps need to be taken to stabilize the individual insurance marketplace. Lawmakers must reevaluate their priorities and endeavor a new process where they solicit feedback from all stakeholders, especially the patients whom the law would most effect.
“Having access to adequate, affordable health insurance is essential to our nation’s ability to continue reducing death and suffering from cancer. We stand ready to assist Congress in developing practical, bipartisan solutions that ensure any future health care plan meets the needs of cancer patients, survivors and their families.”
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