According to the February 2017 summary report, “The Financial Harm of the Republican Plan to Eliminate Health Care” by Health Care for America Now, the Republican-led Congress’ effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act will result in a loss of coverage for 588,000 Colorado residents.
These cuts will severely reduce income to health facilities and result in lost jobs across sectors. The cuts will also come at a severe cost to the state budget. Health insurance will be eliminated for 588,000 Colorado residents, at a total cost to each recipient in 2019 of $2,840/year in eliminated support.
Job loss will approach 39,000 at a cost to doctors and hospitals of $1.7 million. The cost in federal dollars from 2019-2023 will approach $14.6 million.
Despite these costs, Republican leaders in Congress are set on dismantling the ACA, including repealing the Medicaid expansion and tax credits for ACA marketplace coverage. Republicans also are expected to attempt further health care rollbacks focused on Medicaid and Medicare.
Instead of eliminating coverage for 588,000 Colorado residents and 32 million nationwide,-as well as causing premiums to double, the President and Congress should ensure affordable health care for all Colorado residents.
Robert Morris
Marysvale, Utah
