Two-Thirds of Physicians Disapprove of American Health Care Act
A recent survey of physicians found that 58 percent had a “strongly,” negative impression of the American Health Care Act.
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By - Two-thirds of physicians in a new Merritt Hawkins survey reported having a negative impression of the American Health Care Act (AHCA). This includes 58 percent of physicians who have a “strongly” negative take on the newly passed House bill.
The ACA repeal bill passed the House by a razor thin one-vote margin, and has since moved on to the Senate where it looks to be modified or rewritten entirely.
“Physicians have consistently expressed dissatisfaction with government sponsored healthcare
legislation in the past, and the AHCA does not reverse this trend,” said Mark Smith, president of Merritt Hawkins. “So far, the bill rates a strongly negative diagnoses from physicians.”
When more than 1100 physicians were asked how they viewed the recent legislation, 66 percent reported having a negative impression, with only 26 percent seeing the ACA repeal effort in a positive light. Seven percent of respondents were neutral.
The percentage of negative opinions are what separate the ACA and the AHCA surveys. The ACA recorded a 48 percent negative vote, while the ACHA surpassed easily with a 66 percent negative.
The less-than-warm welcome by physicians is mirrored by the healthcare industry’s overall reaction. Payers, providers and medical organizations have come forward to speak out against provisions in the bill.
The American Medical Association (AMA), released a statement regarding the AHCA after its passage in the House.
“The bill passed by the House today will result in millions of Americans losing access to quality, affordable health insurance and those with pre-existing 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,” said American Medical Association (AMA) President Andrew W. Gurman, MD
“Action is needed, however, to improve the current health care insurance system. The AMA urges the Senate and the 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.”
