AOA President Mark A. Baker, DO, writes in this statement that the AOA is unable to support the Graham-Cassidy bill, and urges Congress to find a bipartisan solution with stakeholders to improve access to care.
CHICAGO—Sept. 25, 2017— AOA President Mark A. Baker, DO, issued the following statement today:
"The American Osteopathic Association recognizes the many challenges our health care system faces and is supportive of improvement efforts. As an organization representing nearly 130,000 osteopathic physicians, medical students and the patients they serve, the AOA cannot support the Graham-Cassidy bill because it fails to uphold the policies adopted by our physician leaders that promote patient access to high-quality care.
These policies are centered on patients’ ability to access the care they need, while promoting a continuous, comprehensive care model that will improve patient outcomes and lower health care costs.
We continue to support and advocate for guaranteed essential health benefits, protections for our patients with pre-existing conditions, and affordability for all Americans. Health care reforms should build on these advancements.
We cannot support proposals that roll back the progress made to improve access and the quality of health care in our country. Yet we recognize the need for additional reform. Therefore, we encourage Congress to find a bipartisan solution with stakeholders to enact sound policies that not only focus on controlling the ever-increasing cost of healthcare, but strengthen patient protections and improve access to care."
About the American Osteopathic Association
The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) represents more than 129,000 osteopathic physicians (DOs) and osteopathic medical students; promotes public health; encourages scientific research; serves as the primary certifying body for DOs; and is the accrediting agency for osteopathic medical schools. Visit DoctorsThatDO.org to learn more about osteopathic medicine.
Media Contact:
Sheridan Chaney
(312) 202-8043
schaney@osteopathic.org