CR-7-2017 Encourages Opposition to Weakening of Affordable Care Act Protections

The Prince George’s County Council, during session on Tuesday, February 28, unanimously adopted Council Resolution 7-2017, legislation expressing strong Council support for protecting access to quality, affordable health care provided to millions of Americans and thousands of Prince George’s County residents by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA).  

Council Chair Derrick L. Davis (D) – District 6, says any repeal of the Affordable Care Act could undermine the overall health and wellbeing of County residents, and that the Council stands in firm opposition to any such action without an acceptable alternative.  

“The Affordable Care Act was established to reduce the number of uninsured Americans, protect working families against insurance discrimination and improve overall health,” said Chair Davis. “There are large numbers of County residents that benefit from the Affordable Care Act and any repeal, without an adequate replacement, would place lives at risk - a risk we are not willing to take.”

Chair Davis also noted the significant impact a repeal could have on the new Regional Medical Center.

“We are currently facing the possibility of a reduction in state funding for the new Prince George’s County Regional Medical Center and a repeal of the Affordable Care Act could further jeopardize the financial success of this project,” said Davis.  “We are urging the Maryland Congressional Delegation, Maryland General Assembly and all Prince Georgians to oppose and resist any weakening of the protections provided by the ACA.”

The Affordable Care Act, more commonly known as “Obamacare,” protects working families against health insurance discrimination and denial for pre-existing conditions, provides subsidies to working families to offset the cost of health insurance, incentivizes states to expand Medicaid coverage for the working poor, and requires coverage of basic family health care needs in health insurance plans.  

More than 400,000 Maryland residents have obtained health insurance coverage since 2011 under the ACA, reducing the cost of uncompensated care by $311 million between 2013 and 2015.

-0-