Hospitals hate it. At least two prominent business groups love it. And two associations representing pharmaceutical manufacturers and insurers are silent about it.

A Senate bill to replace the Affordable Care Act was unveiled to the public Thursday after being crafted by Republican lawmakers behind closed doors. The legislation is slightly different from the American Health Care Act, which was passed by the House in May. Analysts suspect both bills will result in millions of people losing health coverage, but at the same time will repeal many taxes enacted under "Obamacare."

Some of the strongest denunciations of the GOP bill have come from associations representing doctors and hospitals. In a statement, American Hospital Association CEO Rick Pollack urged the Senate to "go back to the drawing board."

"The Senate proposal would likely trigger deep cuts to the Medicaid program that covers millions of Americans with chronic conditions such as cancer, along with the elderly and individuals with disabilities who need long-term services and support," Pollack said. "Medicaid cuts of this magnitude are unsustainable and will increase costs to individuals with private insurance."

The Federation of American Hospitals also urged senators to hit the reset button. America's Essential Hospitals urged its members to contact senators and tell them to vote against the legislation. Alan Morgan, CEO of the National Rural Health Association, told Stat News: "Members of Congress seem to be working toward a solution that perhaps makes things even worse." http://bit.ly/2rKM67D

The American Medical Association, which opposed the House bill, said it was reviewing the Senate legislation. AARP claimed the Senate bill would result in an "age tax" by increasing health insurance premiums and reducing tax credits for seniors.

However, the legislation has advocates. U.S. Chamber of Commerce CEO Tom Donohue said the bill would "help to stabilize crumbling insurance markets caused by the Affordable Care Act."

"This bill appears to strike an important balance between providing ample attention to the much needed safety net for underserved communities without putting Washington in charge of health care," he said.
National Federation of Independent Business CEO Juanita Duggan said the legislation would bring about much-needed tax relief for small businesses.

"Obamacare has been very damaging to small business owners, who continue to struggle with escalating premiums and disappearing choices," she said. "NFIB fought Obamacare all the way to the Supreme Court, and our members want it repealed."

Two prominent associations have not weighed in on the bill despite the potential effects on their industries. America's Health Insurance Plans did not issue any statements about the legislation. Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America also has remained silent, telling the Wall Street Journal it has not taken a position on the bill. http://on.wsj.com/2tCsOTr

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