NEA: Children and families among millions of Americans who will lose health coverage

WASHINGTON - NEA President Lily Eskelsen García issued the following statement regarding today’s vote in the U.S. House of Representatives on the American Health Care Act, a bill aimed at repealing the Affordable Care Act.

“The American Health Care Act is irresponsible and reckless. If enacted, it will cause millions of Americans to lose health coverage, including children and families. The bill also will force families to pay more for less coverage and give tax breaks to the wealthy.

“The bill put before the U.S. House of Representatives by the Republican leadership and the Trump administration to repeal the Affordable Care Act will make drastic cuts in Medicaid funding and benefits. The cuts will force some states to consider diverting money from public education to health care, and they will jeopardize services essential for students to learn and thrive, especially those with disabilities. Mental health care, vision and hearing screenings, diabetes, and asthma management are just some of what school children stand to lose as a result of repealing the Affordable Care Act.

“Educators know first-hand the importance of quality, affordable health care coverage for students and working families. We urge Congress to put the interests of students and families first.