New CBO Score indicates 22 million Americans would lose coverage under the Senate Better Care Reconciliation Act

12 Patient/Consumer Groups Urge Senate to Vote No/Reject the bill

(June 26, 2017) - WASHINGTON, D.C.

A nonpartisan coalition of patient and consumer groups representing millions of Americans issued the following statement today in response to the release of the Congressional Budget Office's (CBO) score of the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017 (BCRA) pending in the U.S. Senate:

"The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office's score of the Senate's Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017 shows that 22 million Americans will lose coverage by 2026. We call on the Senate to vote 'No' on this bill that will do irreparable harm to patients, particularly those living with chronic illnesses.

The Senate's Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017 was drafted behind closed doors without input from patients and other stakeholders. It fails to prioritize patient needs and protect the most vulnerable Americans. If enacted, it would repeal critical patient protections afforded by the current law, making coverage more expensive and less comprehensive for far too many. The Senate should reject this ill-conceived bill and start over. Our organizations are prepared to work with Congress on a new bill to ensure all Americans have affordable, accessible, and adequate coverage."

The following groups issued this statement:

American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network

American Diabetes Association

American Heart Association

American Lung Association

Arthritis Foundation

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

March of Dimes

Lutheran Services in America

National Health Council

National MS Society

United Way

WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease

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About the American Lung Association

The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, through research, education and advocacy. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to improve the air we breathe; to reduce the burden of lung disease on individuals and their families; and to eliminate tobacco use and tobacco-related diseases. For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Guide Seal, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org.