CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Local health leaders participated in a forum Wednesday on the future of the Affordable Care Act.
The event was hosted by the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department, and featured representatives from West Virginians for Affordable Health Care, Charleston Area Medical Center, Recovery Point and Cabin Creek Health Systems.
Representatives from the organizations discussed the possible effects of the repeal of “Obamacare” if the U.S. House of Representatives pass the American Health Care Act.
The American Health Care Act would end the individual mandate, as well as halt Medicaid expansion in 2020. Tax credits would be offered with rates dependent on age and income.
The bill also includes block grants in regards to Medicaid, which is different from the current model based on per capita needs.
The Congressional Budget Office estimates the American Health Care Act would reduce federal deficits by $337 billion within nine years, but also increase the number of uninsured Americans to 24 million in that same period.
Robert Whitler, the vice president of government and community affairs at Charleston Area Medical Center, said 174,000 West Virginians were enrolled in the program as a result of Medicaid expansion under the law.
“The American Hospital Association has come out with some estimates on the number of people in West Virginia that is going to lose coverage,” Whitler said.
“Sixty-eight thousand West Virginians will lose Medicaid coverage by 2018. By 2026, they’ll be 125,000 fewer Medicaid enrollees in the state of West Virginia.”
Kelli Caseman, who serves as the director of child health for the West Virginians for Affordable Health Care, says the Medicaid block grants would have a negative impact on people.
According to Caseman, states would have to cut health care funding as a result of receiving a finite amount of money.
“That will mean fewer dollars for West Virginia gradually over time,” she said.
Caseman said children have benefited from the Affordable Care Act, with 97 percent of kids having health insurance coverage.
“We’re fourth in the country,” she said.
The national average for insured children is 95 percent.
The House of Representatives will vote Thursday on the Affordable Health Care Act. The bill will not pass if more than 21 Republicans vote against the legislation. A The New York Times count Wednesday evening mentions 28 Republican lawmakers against the health care plan.
In a statement, Rep. Alex Mooney, R-W.Va., said his office is still reviewing the legislation and proposed amendments, as well as listening to constituent feedback.