Patient Advocacy Groups: GOP Healthcare Bill 'Inadequate'

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the American Heart Association, and eight other patient advocacy groups rejected the revised Republican healthcare bill, according to PR Newswire.

"As introduced, the bill would profoundly reduce coverage for millions of Americans — including many low-income and disabled individuals who rely on Medicaid — and increase out-of-pocket costs for the sickest and oldest among us," the groups said.

The groups said they were "alarmed" by changes to the American Health Care Act proposal, which would allow waivers for essential health benefits.

"As Congress considers this legislation, we challenge lawmakers to remember their commitment to their constituents and the American people to protect lifesaving health care for millions of Americans, including those who struggle every day with chronic and other major health conditions," the statement said.

The other eight groups in the coalition are the American Diabetes Association, the American Lung Association, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the diabetes advocacy group JDRF, the March of Dimes, the National Organization for Rare Disorders, the National MS Society, and WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease, according to the PR Newswire statement.

Also on Monday, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network had some praise for Congress for prioritizing cancer research in the 2017 budget.

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