The American Medical Association called on Congressional leaders to outline an ACA replacement plan before repealing the healthcare reform law.
In a letter signed by James Madara, MD, CEO and executive vice president of the AMA, the physician association called for policymakers to outline policy proposals in detail. "Patients and other stakeholders should be able to clearly compare current policy to new proposals so they can make informed decisions about whether it represents a step forward in the ongoing process of health reform," Dr. Madara wrote in the letter, which was addressed to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.
The letter underscores the association's commitment to universal health insurance coverage and access, as well as the freedom of choice and practice.
"The AMA supported passage of the [ACA] because it was a significant improvement on the status quo at that time," the letter reads. "We continue to embrace the primary goal of that law — to make high quality, affordable health care coverage accessible to all Americans. We also recognize that the ACA is imperfect and there a number of issues that need to be addressed."
Based on these beliefs, the AMA said it is open to proposals that would improve the affordability of coverage, increase patient choice and bolster the number of insured Americans. "We stand ready to work with you to continue the process of improving our healthcare system," the letter concludes.
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