March 21, 2017 - Statement by Travis Heider, President and CEO of Rochester Regional Healthcare Advocates:
Rochester Regional Healthcare Advocates (RRHA) is opposed to the American Healthcare Act (AHCA) because it would significantly reduce health insurance coverage for millions of Americans, reduce federal funding for Medicaid, create a fiscal crisis for New York State and have a devastating financial impact on Rochester area hospitals and health systems.
- The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that the AHCA could eliminate health insurance for 24 million Americans; New York State projects that it could impact nearly one million New Yorkers.
- The AHCA would create a fiscal crisis for New York State through a dramatic reduction of federal support for the state’s Medicaid program. Over four years, New York State would lose $4.6 billion and at least $2.4 billion a year by fiscal year 2020.
- Additionally, RRHA is concerned about the recent proposal to shift Medicaid costs from New York’s counties to the state government. Instead of providing relief to taxpayers, New York State would be forced to raise taxes or make huge cuts in spending, which could put hospitals and their patients at risk.
- Hospitals and health systems cannot sustain fewer insured patients in addition to funding cuts. Many healthcare providers in our region already have fragile financial situations that would be exacerbated by this legislation.
- The top two employers in Rochester are the University of Rochester/UR Medicine and Rochester Regional Health. Hospitals in the Rochester area are responsible for 54,000 jobs and generate $7.1 billion in economic activity. We cannot afford to pass legislation that threatens our healthcare and our local economy.
- RRHA urges the New York Congressional delegation to vote against the bill.