CCALAC Calls Senate Decision to Not Repeal ACA A Chance to Strengthen Health Care

This is An Opportunity to Work in Bipartisan Manner to Improve Access

Louise McCarthy, President and CEO of the Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County (CCALAC) (@CCALAC) released the following statement after the Senate voted against passage of its plan to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

“Whether it was called the American Health Care Act, the Better Care Reconciliation Act, or the Health Care Freedom Act these bills were bad policy. The debates on Main Street and in the halls of Congress have proven that we need to improve our health care system, not destroy it like these bills would have done. We now have a chance to strengthen health care in America,” McCarthy said. “During the past few months, we have heard the voices of people and families who have received care for the first time. We have seen how far we have come since the ACA was signed. Families finally have a sense of security. People are getting jobs in health care. Our economy is growing.

“These debates have highlighted that adjustments still need to be made and we now have the opportunity to improve health care access for more people and families; rather than take it away,” McCarthy continued. “The ACA is working for America and we now need to work together to build upon those successes.

“The Senate’s vote to not repeal the ACA was one key victory in our efforts to protect Americans’ health and well-being. There is still more work ahead; we must stay vigilant and keep our eyes on the actions in Washington. Threats continue in the budget process, through executive orders or even from within the judiciary. We are committed to continuing our work to protect the health of our communities.”

CCALAC had expressed its concern about the rolling back of the Medicaid expansion, restructuring Medicaid financing, and allowing states to waive essential health benefit standards. CCALAC is now encouraging members of Congress to work in a bipartisan manner to stabilize insurance marketplaces to protect the health care of millions of Americans.

The Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County (CCALAC) is the largest regional association of community clinics and health centers in California. Founded in 1994, CCALAC has 62 members that operate nearly 300 clinic sites throughout LA County. CCALAC is dedicated to serving and representing the interests of its member clinics as providers of quality health care, including medical, dental and pharmacy services.