Lambda Legal Sounds Alarm on Renewed Attack on the Affordable Care Act

(Chicago, April 27, 2017) House Republicans are attempting to revive the failed “American Health Care Act” (AHCA) with a new amendment that directly attacks people with pre-existing conditions, like HIV. In response, Lambda Legal HIV Project Director, Scott Schoettes issued the following statement:

“This zombie version of the failed AHCA is a renewed assault on the health of millions of people in the United States. Those who would be hardest hit are the millions of Americans with pre-existing conditions, including people living with HIV, who will no longer be able to afford health insurance because states and insurance companies will once again be allowed to discriminate against people with pre-existing conditions, the very people most in need of care. In a backroom deal, the Republicans have taken an already bad bill and made it even worse.

“They are playing political games with the health of people living with HIV and other chronic conditions. The ACA made it possible for tens of thousands of people with pre-existing conditions to finally afford the care and treatment they needed. For some people with HIV, the ACA literally saved their lives. The ACA is also the best pathway we have for all LGBT people to access health care without discrimination, including transgender people who need transition-related care.  Instead of making sensible improvements to the ACA to build upon its successes and further improve the overall health of people in the United States, GOP lawmakers have chosen to appease the most extreme wing of the Republican party at the very real cost of people’s lives. Call your members of Congress now to tell them this is completely unacceptable.

“This is not a drill; we must stop this bill now. We object to politicians using our health and our lives to score political points.”

TAKE ACTION!

Republicans and Democrats need to hear from you! Call your Representative in the House of Representatives TODAY, at (866) 246-9371. This number is toll-free and will connect you with your Representative.

Here is what you can say:

Hello my name is _______ and I live in [city & state]. I am calling to demand that you vote against the American Health Care Act. I object to any proposal that will hurt LGBT people and people living with HIV by making it harder and more expensive to get the care they need. We deserve better. Please oppose the American Health Care Act.