American Lung Association Urges Senate to Oppose Healthcare Bill

Statement of American Lung Association National President and CEO Harold P. Wimmer in response to the Senate's healthcare bill released today:

"The healthcare legislation released today falls woefully short of providing healthcare for the 32 million Americans living with lung disease and should be rejected. The Senate bill will slash funding for our nation’s Medicaid program, which provides coverage for 20 percent of Americans and 39 percent of children — many of whom have asthma, COPD and other lung diseases. The proposed cuts to Medicaid under this bill will be devastating for children, seniors and people living with disabilities for whom healthcare is critical. Cuts to Medicaid will lead to more asthma attacks.

"The American Lung Association has long stated that any healthcare legislation must be adequate, affordable and accessible. This bill fails to meet this standard. The American Lung Association urges Senators to oppose this bill and start anew with a bipartisan process aimed at improving healthcare for all Americans."

For media interested in speaking with an expert about healthcare, contact the American Lung Association at [email protected].