Congressional Budget Office Report Shows Repeal of Individual Mandate Results in 13 Million More Americans Uninsured, Higher Premiums

December 6, 2017 — At the American Heart Association (AHA) annual meeting in November, a group of 16 non-partisan patient and consumer groups issued a statement on the recent Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report of repealing mandated insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). In the report, the CBO assessed the impact of a repeal of the ACA’s individual mandate to purchase health insurance coverage, which estimates it will reduce the number of Americans that have health insurance by more than 10 million and increase insurance premiums for those who remain on insurance plans.

“The CBO’s recent report estimates that 13 million fewer Americans will have health insurance if Congress repeals the ACA’s requirement that all individuals carry adequate coverage,” the groups said in a statement. “In addition, premiums would increase on average by 10 percent. Our organizations are deeply troubled that Congress is considering action that would result in coverage losses, particularly without considering corresponding ways to balance or mitigate these losses.”

“Any changes Congress makes to our healthcare system should be focused upon expanding access to quality, affordable health coverage for all Americans.  American families deserve no less.  Legislation that reduces the number of people with coverage and increases premiums fails to meet this standard.  Repealing the individual mandate without otherwise increasing access to adequate, affordable health insurance is a step backwards for individuals and families,” the groups said in their statement. “We call upon all members of the House and Senate to ensure that any changes to our health care system will help stabilize the health insurance market and result in more, not fewer, Americans having adequate, affordable health insurance. Our organizations stand ready to work with Congress toward this goal, which will help secure the individual, community and economic wellbeing of our nation.”

Links to other AHA 2017 Late-breaking Trials

For more information: heart.org