Letter to Congressman Roger Marshall, MD

Support People Living with Chronic Conditions and Oppose the AHCA and MacArthur Amendment

Dear Congressman Roger Marshall,

As an individual with a chronic condition (Multiple Sclerosis) and a person with deep roots in the Kansas 1st Congressional District, I urge you to oppose the American Health Care Act (AHCA) and the MacArthur amendment. While improvements to the healthcare system are needed, the AHCA and MacArthur are a step backward and will negatively impact access, affordability, and comprehensiveness--which are all vital to people with chronic medical conditions.

Specific concerns include:

- The loss of coverage by more than 24 million people by 2026;

- Phasing out Medicaid expansion and changing Medicaid's financing structure to a per capita cap which would likely lead to service and/or population cuts;

- Reliance on high-risk pools that have historically not adequately served people with chronic conditions;

- Making the tax credits age-based; and repeal of the cost-sharing subsidies;

- Eliminating protections for people with pre-existing conditions;

- The nationwide standard of 'essential health benefits' could be lost, including required coverage for prescription drugs, durable medical equipment, rehabilitation, mental health services and more.

Access to coverage is meaningless if people are unable to afford the care they need. The AHCA's flat tax credits up to $4,000 per year based on age are significantly less than the actual cost of health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Repealing the cost-sharing subsidies in silver level Marketplace plans will add to the financial burdens of those most in need, and increase the likelihood that people with chronic conditions will stop taking their medicines or other treatments. The AHCA's 30% premium penalty to the cost of coverage for those unable to maintain continuous coverage for 63 days or more would interrupt treatment, putting people with chronic needs at risk.

If the bill comes for a vote, please oppose the American Health Care Act and the MacArthur amendment. We look forward to you helping improve access, affordability, and comprehensiveness--rather than taking a step backward.

Sincerely,