Debating ‘repeal and replace’

Last week, ACP sent a letter to the Senate asking that they vote “No” on a budget resolution that would start the process of repealing the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The College cautioned that this process could destabilize coverage, resulting in tens of millions of Americans losing coverage, benefits, and protections established by current law.

The letter expressed concern that the pathway established by the resolution, which will lead to a subsequent vote on a budget reconciliation bill to repeal major elements of the ACA, with the effective date of such repeal being delayed while Congress attempts to develop an acceptable replacement plan, is unworkable and disruptive. ACP noted that the College welcomed the opportunity to make improvements in the law.

In December, Yul Ejnes, MD, MACP, a past chair of ACP's Board of Regents, a practicing internist in Cranston, R.I., and a member of ACP Internist's editorial board, wrote about the ACA in his monthly column at KevinMD.com. In the post, Dr. Ejnes noted that while the status quo is far from ideal, the ACA needs improvement, and “repeal and replace” is not as simple as it sounds.