Ever since the GOP’s “repeal and replace” plan (also known as Trumpcare) was leaked back in February, Republicans including President Donald Trump have been under intense criticism from all sides of the political spectrum.
However, there’s one voice of opposition out of the many that may prove to be a lethal to Republican efforts to pass their haphazard health care reform legislation. So far, numerous healthcare physician groups have come out to condemn the GOP’s Obamacare replacement.
Bob Doherty, Senior Vice President for government affairs at the American College of Physicians, which represents the second-largest trade group of doctors in the U.S., took to Twitter on Monday to blast the much-maligned GOP Obamacare alternative.
Doherty said that the GOP plan could cost “thousands of preventable deaths.” The main reason being that as many as 28 million people could lose coverage under Trumpcare. He also noted that the consequences to long-term health could be even more severe, as older patients who lose coverage because of high premiums:
“…Will put off getting care until diseases are at more advanced, less treatable, & costly stage.”
In 38 years advocating for doctors, patients I've never seen a bill that will do more harm to health than #AHCA bill being voted on Thursday
— Bob Doherty (@BobDohertyACP) March 20, 2017
It will take coverage from millions of most vulnerable: the poor,sick & old. It will raise premiums & deductibles by thousands of $.
— Bob Doherty (@BobDohertyACP) March 20, 2017
It will make the opioid epidemic worse by ending requirement that Medicaid cover substance use treatment.
— Bob Doherty (@BobDohertyACP) March 20, 2017
It cuts Medicaid funding by 25%; states will have no choice but to cut coverage & benefits and/or raise taxes, cut provider pay.
— Bob Doherty (@BobDohertyACP) March 20, 2017
It cuts funding to @CDC to prevent spread of infectious diseases like flu and Zika.
— Bob Doherty (@BobDohertyACP) March 20, 2017
Proposed work requirement for Medicaid punishes those who can't work because they are sick, have mental health conditions, are caregivers
— Bob Doherty (@BobDohertyACP) March 20, 2017
Or because there are no jobs.
— Bob Doherty (@BobDohertyACP) March 20, 2017
It will result in 14 million losing coverage next year, 28 million over 10 years.
— Bob Doherty (@BobDohertyACP) March 20, 2017
It will cause people to forgo doctor visits, and prevention /screening tests and not keep up with medications.
— Bob Doherty (@BobDohertyACP) March 20, 2017
They will put off getting care until diseases are at more advanced, less treatable & more costly stage.
— Bob Doherty (@BobDohertyACP) March 20, 2017
Lives are at stake: loss of coverage associated with thousands of preventable deaths.
— Bob Doherty (@BobDohertyACP) March 20, 2017
This bill has to be stopped. Call Congress today. 2022243121. Urge them to vote against #AHCA. Don't wait. Vote is on Thursday.
— Bob Doherty (@BobDohertyACP) March 20, 2017
Republicans are expected to vote on repealing Obamacare as early as Thursday. However, there are reports that there are currently at least 40 Republican no votes in the House. It’s estimated that Republicans can withstand no more than 21 defections for the bill to pass.
Should the bill somehow make it through the House, it still awaits a difficult challenge in the Senate as many Senators such as Rand Paul (R-Ky.) have expressed grave concerns about the legislation sparking what turning out to be a political civil war between Republicans.
Last week, Sen. Paul told CNN:
“I think that Paul Ryan’s selling [Donald Trump] a bill of goods that he didn’t explain to the president, and the grassroots doesn’t want what Paul Ryan is selling.”
Republicans like Sen. Paul face thousands of angry constituents in their home states who are outraged over the GOP proposal. It’s theorized that Republicans may purposely sabotage “repeal and replace” so they can move on to other policy initiatives.
For the sake of America’s health lets hope this is the case.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvGld0EArB0
Featured image via PoliticusUSA and Public Domain Pictures.
