American Lung Association Urges Senate to Reject Revised Senate Healthcare Bill

Statement of Harold P. Wimmer, National President and CEO of the American Lung Association, in response to the release of the Senate's revised healthcare bill: 

"The American Lung Association is very disappointed to see that the revised Better Care Reconciliation Act does not address the major concerns about quality and affordable healthcare previously outlined by the American Lung Association and therefore, our organization must still oppose this bill. The legislation would still make devastating cuts to Medicaid, which will harm many patients living with a lung disease. It would also still result in removing key patient protections, including for patients with pre-existing conditions. 

"The American Lung Association is particularly troubled by the Cruz Amendment, which would result in higher, not lower, premiums for people with serious and chronic conditions. 

"The American Lung Association has long stated that any healthcare legislation must be adequate, affordable and accessible. This bill still fails to meet this standard. The American Lung Association urges Senators to vote no on both the motion to proceed and the underlying bill. Instead, the Senate should start over with a bipartisan process aimed at improving healthcare for all Americans."

For media interested in speaking with an expert about healthcare coverage, contact the American Lung Association at [email protected] or 312-801-7628.