Dear Congressman Murphy,
As an MS activist, a National MS Society District Activist Leader, Inductee into the MS Society's Advocacy Hall of Fame and your constituent; 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 MS.
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 MS 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 MS at risk of relapse and irreversible
disability.
MS is a chronic, inflammatory immune-mediated disease of the
central nervous system. It is among the most common causes of neurological
disability in young adults. Symptoms vary from person to person and range from
numbness and tingling, to walking difficulties, fatigue, dizziness, pain,
depression, blindness, and paralysis. Untreated MS -- drug and other therapy
for symptoms and relapses -- can
progress more quickly, resulting in an early departure from the workforce, an
undue strain on the family, finances, public and long-term services and
supports, and more.
If the bill comes for a vote, please oppose the American
Health Care Act and the MacArthur amendment. We look forward to working with
you to improve access, affordability, and comprehensiveness--rather than taking
a step backward.
Sincerely,
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