President Donald Trump campaigned on the vow to repeal and replace the ACA with something better. As evidenced by the downfall of House Republicans' proposed American Health Care Act, delivering on this promise is more challenging than some have anticipated.
As the healthcare reform debate continues, leaders of hospitals and health systems have spoken out about their stance on the matter and what they hope Congress will do to improve the American healthcare system.
Here are six thoughts from hospital and health system leaders on the ongoing healthcare debate.
1. Michael Dowling, President and CEO, Northwell Health (New Hyde Park, N.Y.).
To Mr. Dowling, the most frustrating part of the healthcare debate is that the opposition boils down to conflicting ideologies on the role of the government, not on the parts of the healthcare system that have the greatest effects on people's health and well-being. While acknowledging the potential lawmakers have to "upend much of the insurance and health gains that the ACA helped achieve," Mr. Dowling says, "we as hospital and health system leaders must remain vigilant in our commitment to provide care to those in need and preserve our mission to improve the health of our communities."
2. Clint Purvance, MD, President and CEO, Barton Health (Tahoe, Calif.).
In a guest column for the Tahoe Daily Tribune, Dr. Purvance wrote that he hopes Congress will take a "broad bipartisan approach" as it works on future health reform. "While we are thankful more patients have additional access to health and wellness services in our community, our health system is aware of areas that need attention," he wrote. "We are hopeful Congress will address the insurance market's rising healthcare premiums and stabilize private insurance rates for residents who pay high out-of-pocket costs."
3. Robert Garrett, co-CEO, Hackensack Meridian Health (Edison, N.J.).
Mr. Garrett says hospital and health system leaders must take the lead on healthcare reform and not wait for an answer from Washington. "We should be taking the lead on healthcare reform, and we should all embrace these principles on transparency, on being more consumer-focused, on providing more affordable healthcare through operational efficiencies, and continuing to align so we can coordinate care better," he says. "We also need to advocate for the needy, the folks that are most disadvantaged in our society. We have a responsibility to do that."
4. Nancy Howell Agee, President and CEO, Carilion Clinic (Roanoke, Va.).
Ms. Agee told The Roanoke Times she was "stunned" when the AHCA got pulled, and the uncertain future of health reform is troublesome to healthcare organizations. "Predictability in our business is stability. Not being able to forecast where you're going, what your revenue sources are, puts you in a state of uncertainty that is problematic," she told The Roanoke Times. "So my direction for our organization is we do what we do best. We take care of patients. We continue our strategies, but we're very in touch with what's going on nationally and regionally, and we'll respond appropriately."
5. Chris Van Gorder, President and CEO, Scripps Health (San Diego).
Mr. Van Gorder says lawmakers must work together, resist the influence of conflicting political ideologies and enlist the expertise of providers when working on healthcare law. "Healthcare is truly complicated and personal. If we hope to get this legislation right for the country, we should be working together across party lines and truly involving the experts — healthcare providers," he said in a statement to Becker's. "This is complex and important legislation. I'd rather see a slower process that gets it right rather than a fast process that gets it wrong. When this is over, I can only support legislation that improves access and coverage at a more affordable cost, and that includes providers as partners in the process."
6. Richard Afable, MD, Executive Vice President, Providence St. Joseph Health Southern California Region Orange County/High Desert, President and CEO, St. Joseph Hoag Health (Irvine, Calif.).
Dr. Afable says he is less concerned with debating the ACA's flaws and more focused on improving access to healthcare services for the underserved and protecting the coverage gains achieved under the current healthcare law. "If repeal and replace occurs, we need to be sure whatever is put in its place continues to or even enhances the engagement of Americans in their health and well-being so they can continue to play in active role. If [a replacement plan] does that, then I almost don't have as much concern about the efficiency, effectiveness and cost elements. I just want to make sure the gains we made in personal health and well-being will be continued."