Statement by Chairman and CEO Bernard J. Tyson, Kaiser Permanente, on the Draft Text of the Better Care Reconciliation Act

OAKLAND, Calif., June 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- "Kaiser Permanente believes progress in health care should be judged on access, affordability and outcomes. Changes to our nation's health care laws, therefore, should increase access to high-quality, affordable care and coverage for as many people as possible.

"We cannot support the current Senate draft bill, as it is clear that the changes to Medicaid and the reductions in subsidies for low-income people enrolled in the Exchanges will lead to reduced coverage in our country. We are concerned that the repeal of the individual mandate without alternative incentives for enrollment likely will lead to fewer people enrolled and higher premiums, and that changes to the state waiver process could also result in the erosion of coverage of needed medical services. We acknowledge that the draft attempts to address the need for market stabilization measures, but these provisions are outweighed by the broader impact of the legislation.

"The draft bill does not expand coverage; it does not do enough to protect people in need of care, nor does it provide enough assistance to those who need help in paying for health care and coverage. We will continue working to share our perspective with the Senate on how to address these concerns to improve health and health care in this country."

About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve more than 11.8 million members in eight states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education and the support of community health. For more information, go to: kp.org/share

For more information: Marc Brown
marc.t.brown@kp.org 
510-271-6328

SOURCE Kaiser Permanente