WASHINGTON—As
the U.S. House of Representatives appears poised to vote on the American Health
Care Act (HB 1628), Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, Florida, Chairman of the
U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, stressed
that remaining flaws in the bill will harm poor and vulnerable people and called
on members to insist upon changes.

“It is deeply
disappointing to many Americans that, in modifying the American Health Care Act
to again attempt a vote, proponents of the bill left in place its serious flaws,
including unacceptable modifications to Medicaid that will endanger coverage
and affordability for millions of people, according to reports,” said Bishop
Dewane. “Sadly, some of the recently
proposed amendments—especially those designed to give states flexibility—lack
apparent safeguards to ensure quality of care. These additions could severely
impact many people with pre-existing conditions while risking for others the loss
of access to various essential coverages.”

In an earlier letter sent to Representatives on March 17, Bishop Dewane had urged members of
the U.S. House of Representatives to correct provisions that would place a per
capita cap on Medicaid funding to states, as well as to ensure adequate,
quality coverage for those who are part of the recent Medicaid expansion, among
other things. Bishop Dewane also called
for conscience protections for those who participate in the delivery or
coverage of health care services and against mandates like the contraception
and sterilization regulatory requirement from the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services.

“The American
Health Care Act includes some praiseworthy features, among them restricting
funding which flows to abortion providers and prohibiting federal funding for
abortion or the purchase of plans that cover it,” noted Bishop Dewane. “But the AHCA, as it now stands, creates new
and grave challenges for poor and vulnerable people, including immigrants. The House must not pass the legislation as it
is. Members should insist on changes,
especially for the sake of those who are struggling in our communities.”

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Keywords: U.S.
Conference of Catholic Bishops, USCCB, Bishop Frank J. Dewane, Committee on
Domestic Justice and Human Development, American Health Care Act (AHCA), respect
for life, human dignity, health care, affordability, abortion, poverty,
immigration.

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Media Contact:
Judy Keane
202-541-3200

Source:: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops