Dear Common Dreams Readers:
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On Coverage, Cost, and Consumer Protections, TrumpCare Gets an "F"
Plus, a take-down of the GOP's "alternative facts" on the American Healthcare Act
"We analyzed the American Health Care Act (AHCA) and have assigned it a failing grade," said the policy arm of Consumer Reports. "This is not the future that Americans deserve and is, simply, unacceptable." (Image: Consumers Union)
The Republican healthcare plan, which continues wending a rocky path through Congress, also keeps racking up negative reviews that contradict the GOP's rosy pitch—and undercut promises like those made Friday by Rep. Kevin Brady (R-Texas) when he "guaranteed" every constituent could buy "affordable" health coverage under TrumpCare.
Earlier this week, the policy and mobilization arm of Consumer Reports, known as Consumers Union, issued its assessment of the American Healthcare Act (AHCA). The report card was less than positive; in fact, the legislation got failing marks across the board.
The criticism gave at least one healthcare advocate pause:
Would you buy a toaster that Consumers Reports gave an F? Not me. We should be pretty worried about their grade of the ACA repeal plan. https://t.co/hPFUbygwqF
— Ben D'Avanzo (@BenDAvanzo) March 15, 2017
Meanwhile, the healthcare policy website HealthInsurance.org offered its own take-down of the proposal—and its GOP talking points—this week. One-by-one, the site's publisher and founder, Chuck Smith-Dewey, corrected the "alternative facts" promulgated by Republicans in a Facebook meme currently circulating:
