Eight medical associations and public health advocacy groups will hold a series of events in four states to raise concerns about the proposed Republican replacement for the Affordable Care Act.

In a statement Tuesday, the American Medical Association said it had joined with seven other groups to host events in Colorado, Ohio, Nevada and West Virginia to address the alleged shortcoming of the GOP's American Health Care Act. The groups are focusing on four areas of concern: affordability of insurance, access to essential care, protection for those on Medicaid, and protections for those with employer-sponsored health insurance.

"Improving the health of our nation means increasing access to high-quality, affordable health insurance coverage, which is why the reduction of coverage in the American Health Care Act is of grave concern," AMA President-elect David Barbe said. "We urge members of Congress to Protect Patients First and pursue a bipartisan approach to reforming our health care system."

The first event will be held in Cleveland, Ohio, on Thursday and feature local patients and health care providers. AMA President David Barbe will moderate the discussion.

The other organizers are AARP, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, American Hospital Association, Federation of American Hospitals and March of Dimes.

"Health care remains a deeply personal concern for American families, and together, we must seek solutions that help make health care more affordable," AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond said. "We're pleased to join these groups and raise our voices to call on the Senate to move in a different direction so that we can improve health care for Americans." http://bit.ly/2soZUIj

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