The American Medical Association slammed the Republican healthcare bill after it was passed by the House, saying it would "result in millions of Americans losing access to quality, affordable health insurance."
"The bill passed by the House today will result in millions of Americans losing access to quality, affordable health insurance – and those with preexisting health conditions face the possibility of going back to the time when insurers could charge them premiums that made access to coverage out of the question," Andrew Gurman, president of the Chicago-based association, said in a statement.
"Action is needed, however, to improve the current healthcare insurance system."
On a 217-213 vote, Republicans amassed just enough support to push the American Health Care Act through the House, sending it to the Senate for consideration.
No Democrats voted for the bill.
But the AHCA faces a tougher chance in the Senate, where Republicans hold a 52-46 majority (with two more Senate Independents) – and Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio said Thursday he would not support the bill in its current form.
Gurman called on the upper chamber and the Trump administration to "work with physician, patient, hospital, and other provider groups to craft bipartisan solutions so all American families can access affordable and meaningful coverage, while preserving the safety net for vulnerable populations."
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