Healthcare Workers Denounce GOP Plan to Repeal Affordable Care Act

March 7, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Nikko Mendoza | nikko.mendoza@1199.org | 617-990-2487
Laura Wareck | lwareck@oneillandassoc.com | 617-646-1037
Twitter: @1199mass

Healthcare Workers Denounce GOP Plan to Repeal Affordable Care Act

Boston, MA (March 7, 2017) – In response to the release of House Republicans’ plan to repeal the Affordable Care Act, Tyrék D. Lee Sr., Executive Vice President of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, issued the following statement:

“Congressional Republicans’ latest healthcare proposal is an assault on working people, one that provides a massive tax cut to the very wealthiest Americans by eliminating healthcare coverage for millions of hardworking Americans.

The consequences for Massachusetts will be severe – potentially ripping coverage away from hundreds of thousands of our most vulnerable residents, jeopardizing access to critical mental health and addiction recovery services as opioid-related deaths are rising in the Bay State, increasing taxes and out-of-pocket expenses, and weakening insurance protections. Just as concerning, the block granting of Medicaid threatens healthcare jobs and facilities, and coverage for even more low-income families in the Commonwealth.

Voters in Massachusetts and across the nation deserve an open and transparent process to debate this proposal – one that provides an opportunity for input, hearings and analysis on who will benefit from this plan, who will be hurt, and how much it will cost. The healthcare coverage for millions of Americans and the strength of Massachusetts’ largest industry is at stake.”

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Representing more than 56,000 healthcare workers throughout Massachusetts and over 400,000 workers across the East Coast, 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is the largest and fastest-growing healthcare union in America. Our mission is to achieve affordable, high quality healthcare for all. 1199SEIU is part of the 2.1 million member Service Employees International Union.