The Cassidy-Graham ACA Repeal Bill: The Latest Abomination In The Current Administration’s Bag of Horrors

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In the Senate’s latest move to repeal the Affordable Care Act, the Cassidy-Graham bill was introduced today. The bill, which in many ways is the most radical ACA Repeal bill to date would, among other things, eliminate the Affordable Care Act’s subsidies for private insurance, eliminate the cost-sharing reduction payments for low-income Americans, put an end to Medicaid expansion, and gut Medicaid programs. Ann Marie Benitez, senior director of government relations for the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health (NLIRH), issued the following statement:

“We are outraged at this administration’s blatant and systematic attacks against Latinxs, low-income people, and communities of color who depend on the level of care, coverage, and consumer protections that the ACA provides. Thanks to the ACA, Latinos have seen the largest reduction in uninsured rates as compared to any other group. Furthermore, in states that expanded Medicaid, the uninsured rate dropped by 43 percent. Cassidy-Graham is the only bill keeping Medicaid cuts alive right now. If passed, it would in time end the funding for Medicaid expansion and severely disadvantage both the states and the lower-income and underserved populations that they cover. Without the protections afforded by the ACA, already existing health disparities for women of color and their families could be further exacerbated,” she added.

“The Cassidy-Graham bill would also increase out-of-pocket costs, weaken protections for those with pre-existing conditions, and gut Medicaid coverage insurance, causing millions of Americans to lose coverage, particularly low-income populations and the Medicaid expansion recipients that need it most. In other words, this is a morally-reprehensible abomination. We urge legislators to stop playing games with people’s lives. At NLIRH, we uphold our mission to fight for health, dignity, and justice, and will continue to stand resolute in our fight against all attempts to cut off our communities from the care they need.” Ms. Benitez concluded.

For more information on NLIRH’s fight for health, dignity and justice, visit us at latinainstitute.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter @NLIRH.

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The National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health is the only national reproductive justice organization dedicated to building Latina power to advance health, dignity, and justice for 28 million Latinas, their families, and communities in the United States through leadership development, community mobilization, policy advocacy, and strategic communications.