Today, the Senate Republican leadership released its proposal to repeal the Affordable Care Act and decimate the Medicaid program. The County Welfare Directors Association of California opposes this proposed legislation, which is no better for states, counties, or struggling Americans than the House’s American Health Care Act passed last month. California’s 14 million Medicaid enrollees would suffer greatly under this bill, as would the 1 million Californians covered by our health care exchange, Covered California.

“After five decades of proving its worth, Medicaid is in the cross-hairs of our federal elected officials,” said Cathy Senderling-McDonald, CWDA Deputy Executive Director. “This bill would have devastating consequences not just for the adults who gained coverage under Obamacare, but for the millions of children, parents, persons with disabilities and elders covered by the base program. The Senate GOP proposal has been described by others as ‘heartless’ and ‘cruel.’ It would not only devastate individuals’ health and well-being, but would be terrible for our economy as well. For the good of our country’s future, the entire package must be rejected.”