(Cleveland) - The Center for Health Affairs is the hospital association in northeast Ohio, and represents 40 medical centers in 6 counties.
Spokesperson Deanna Moore says the new version of the Senate health care bill would harm the most marginalized people in society, leaving millions without coverage, while gutting Medicaid, and raising premiums for patients with preexisting conditions.
Moore tells Newsradio WTAM 1100, that the uncertainly over health care reform is causing health care premiums to rise, and forcing many hospitals to make layoffs and cutbacks.
Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell has released a revamped Republican health care bill that seeks conservative support by letting insurers sell low-premium policies with skimpy coverage, but could also drive away moderates who are concerned the amendment would cause premiums to spike for those with pre-existing conditions.
It also contains significant new funding for opioid treatment and money for states meant to lower premiums for high-cost enrollees, but it would keep two Obamacare-era taxes on the wealthy and maintains significant cuts to Medicaid.
Senator McConnell is still in search of the 50 votes he needs to pass the bill, he can only afford to lose two senators.
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