National Rally for Health: Save the ACA

To all healthcare workers, patients, Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and allies:

The passage of H.R. 1628, the American Health Care Act (AHCA), was a devastating blow to our healthcare system. The AHCA, previously scored by the Congressional Budget Office, could result in as many as 24 million Americans losing coverage. It could roll back the ban on exclusion of pre-existing conditions and the essential health benefits requirements. It aims to create “high-risk pools” that would price our sickest patients out of coverage. We know the consequences of uncompensated care: More ER visits, less preventive care, worse health outcomes, and ultimately increased premiums on for all taxpayers. The AHCA is not the answer to reducing cost, and it will only result in loss of coverage.

The AHCA was passed without public hearings, without a CBO re-analysis, and without consultation of the medical community. It is opposed by the AMA, the AARP, and numerous national physician groups. Those who work with patients every day can agree that this bill is bad for patients.

This bill has been opposed by Democrats and Republicans alike. Effective healthcare reform must be achieved by bipartisan consensus. The manner in which the AHCA was rushed to a vote demonstrates a lack of concern for the profound ramifications on insurance market stability and patient coverage. This was political theater, not a true attempt at comprehensive reform. We cannot, as a community, allow our patients and loved ones to endure this amount of uncertainty with respect to their health.

The Rally For Health is a new coalition of concerned citizens looking to unify those opposed to the AHCA. Please join us for a NATIONAL RALLY FOR HEALTH: A DAY TO OPPOSE THE AHCA. We will be hosting a short rally in downtown D.C. but we encourage supporters in other states to host sister rallies on this day to stand in solidarity. Healthcare is a human right. Democrats and Republicans are patients first. Thank you for your support. Please RSVP if you can attend or if you plan to start a sister rally, please indicate details in the comments.

MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Rally for Health:
1. To oppose the American Healthcare Act (AHCA) and any other legislative measures that would dismantle the Affordable Care Act (ACA) without improving coverage or cost.
2. To support bipartisan initiatives that promote affordable universal healthcare coverage for all Americans.
3. To lead a diverse coalition of healthcare professionals of all backgrounds and political philosophies to speak with one voice for our patients, our profession, and our nation.