Massive tax bill will significantly reduce the number of Americans with health insurance
Silver Spring, MD – The following statement is attributable to Pamela F. Cipriano, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, president of the American Nurses Association (ANA), in response to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
“The American Nurses Association is deeply concerned about the devastating impact that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will have on health care in this country. Under the guise of a promise to slash taxes for corporations and middle-class Americans is a clear intent to dismantle the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which has helped nearly 16 million Americans obtain health coverage. It is also no secret the actions that will be pursued to make up for the inflated deficit caused by this tax bill will be the cutting of essential anti-poverty programs as well as Medicare and Medicaid.
Eliminating the ACA’s individual mandate will lead to an estimated 13 million fewer Americans having health insurance. The resulting domino effect will be negative health outcomes, higher costs, and fewer individuals with access to critical primary care and preventive services. This is irresponsible and further proves that health care is being handled like a political game to be won at any cost. Frustratingly, this bill was pushed through without input from patients, consumers, or health care experts, including the country’s 3.6 million registered nurses, whom the public ranks as the most ‘honest and ethical’ profession.
Amid numerous failed attempts to ‘repeal and replace’ the ACA, ANA voiced strong opposition to legislation that would threaten health care affordability, access, and delivery for millions of people across the nation. ANA will continue to advocate for a health system that ensures universal access to a standard package of essential health care services for all citizens and residents.”
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