The American Health Care Act has narrowly passed the House of Representative by a vote of 217-213. Twenty Republicans joined every House Democrat in opposing the bill.
The legislation will now move to the Senate for debate.
IAM International President Bob Martinez issued the following statement:
“This is another rushed and flawed attempt at health care reform that again is a blatant attack on working families. It shoulders the middle class with higher costs for less care and throws millions of people off their insurance so the rich can get another tax break.
“Dropping the coverage guarantee for people with pre-existing conditions is a death sentence to Americans who most desperately need health insurance. Seniors will see their health costs multiply by allowing insurance companies to charge them five times what they charge young people.
“It does nothing to address the so-called ‘Cadillac tax,’ which takes money out of the pocket of every American with employer-provided health insurance. Employers will raise deductibles, co-pays and increase out-of-pocket limits to pay for this cruel 40 percent tax on our health care.
“Every American deserves quality, affordable health insurance, and the AHCA is a dangerous step toward turning health care into a luxury reserved for the wealthy and privileged.”
How the American Health Care Act jeopardizes working families: