Baltimore City Health Commissioner Worried about Health of Millions after Congressional Budget Office Confirms Effects of American Health Care Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BALTIMORE, MD (May 24, 2017)Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen today issued the following statement in response to the Congressional Budget Office’s report on the American Health Care Act, passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on May 4, 2017:

“The Congressional Budget Office’s (CBO) non-partisan analysis has confirmed what we already knew: the American Health Care Act endangers the lives of millions. According to the CBO, if the bill became law, 23 million more people would be without coverage by 2026. Millions more—including seniors and those with pre-existing conditions—could face dramatically higher premiums.

“The bill cuts $834 billion from Medicaid and $276 billion from the tax credits and other subsidies that allow lower income Americans, including seniors, children, and families, to afford coverage. This is not a healthcare bill; it is a tax cut for the wealthy financed by taking health insurance options away from those in greatest need.

“As I stated when it first passed, this version of the American Health Care Act contains three new provisions that would have dramatic negative consequences for Americans’ health: it allows states to remove the requirement that health plans cover essential health benefits; it removes protection for patients with pre-existing conditions; and it allows insurers to increase premiums for seniors.

“This is fiscally irresponsible and will harm the health and wellbeing of millions of Americans.”

Related Stories

Baltimore City Health Department Announces New Clinical Hours for Sexual Health Services

BALTIMORE, MD (Tuesday, October 29, 2024) – Today, the Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) announces a change in operating hours for two sexual health clinics. Effective Thursday, November 7, 2024, the Eastern Sexual Health and Wellness Clinic and the Druid Sexual Health and Wellness Clinic will have new clinic hours to optimize resources, while continuing to deliver quality care.

 

 

Health Commissioner Declares Code Red Extreme Heat Alert for Wednesday, August 28th

BALTIMORE, MD (Tuesday, August 27, 2024) —  With temperatures expected to rise in the Baltimore region and the heat index forecasted to reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit on Wednesday, August 28th, the Baltimore City Interim Commissioner of Health Mary Beth Haller has declared a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert for Wednesday, August 28th.

 

 

Baltimore City Health Department Extends Code Red Extreme Heat Alert Through Tuesday, August 6

BALTIMORE, MD (Monday, August 5, 2024) — An extension to the current Code Red Extreme Heat alert is in effect through Tuesday, August 6, following the alarming number of residents without power due to recent severe weather conditions.