Menu

HF Statement on GOP Bill to Replace the Affordable Care Act

When President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act (ACA) into law in 2010, it was a watershed moment in the long struggle to ensure that every American had access to quality, affordable health care. In the years since, twenty million Americans have gained access to health insurance, including 4.2 million Latinos. Today, the nation’s rate of uninsured is at an all-time low of approximately 10 percent. The ACA has made America healthier, controlled the rate of growth of health care expenditures and has protected patients with preexisting and chronic conditions.

The health care plan presented by House Speaker Ryan and Republican legislators earlier this week threatens to undo virtually all of these achievements.

Hispanic Federation and its network of 100 Latino community-based organizations strongly oppose this proposed House legislation because it will result in the devastating loss of health coverage for millions of Americans, with those most impacted being the working poor, women, people of color, the elderly and those living with serious health conditions. This is unacceptable.

For nearly eight years, Republicans in Congress have repeatedly railed against the ACA and raised unwarranted fears about everything from loss of insurance coverage to so-called “death panels.” They have now presented a plan that will undermine the health of our families and our communities. We vigorously reject these measures and will work with our allies in government and the nonprofit sector to make sure that every American has access to the health care they need and deserve.