CHA Statement on the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017
GREENWOOD VILLAGE, COLO. – June 22, 2017 – The Colorado Hospital Association (CHA) and its member hospitals and health systems have long been committed to protecting coverage and access to care for Coloradans. Colorado has made great progress in recent years in its efforts to reduce the number of uninsured and increasing coverage and access – as a result of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Coverage allows patients to use the health system as it should be – seeking more preventive and primary care, access to medication and less reliance on emergency services. It promotes the right care at the right time in the right place. For Colorado hospitals, this also means less uncompensated care, allowing hospitals to better serve and invest in their community, their employees and in hospital services and programs.
“Unfortunately, the draft bill released today by Senate leadership threatens to move Colorado in the wrong direction, especially for our most vulnerable patients,” said Steven J. Summer, president and CEO, CHA. “The proposal could cause deep cuts to Medicaid that covers thousands of Coloradans, including those with disabilities and many children. It will be particularly harmful to rural Colorado communities.
We strongly urge Senators Bennet and Gardner to continue working on this proposal to develop legislation that will move Colorado forward – instead of setting us back – and will protect coverage for Coloradans.”
About the Colorado Hospital Association
The Colorado Hospital Association (CHA) is the leading voice of Colorado’s hospital and health system community. Representing more than 100 member hospitals and health systems throughout the state, CHA serves as a trusted, credible and reliable resource on health issues, hospital data and trends for its members, media, policymakers and the general public. Through CHA, Colorado’s hospitals and health systems work together in their shared commitment to improve health and health care in Colorado.
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