Senator Bradford offers his thoughts on the passing of "The American Health Care Act"

May 16, 2017

I am extremely disheartened by the passing of the ACHA through the House of Representatives.  The passing of the American Health Care Act will have an immeasurable and long-term negative impact on the health and quality of life of more than 14 million Californians who rely on Medi-Cal.

Not only will costs rise in every single county statewide it will increase premiums and other out-of-pocket expenses by an average of $2,800.  These recent developments make me fearful for older citizens who survive on fixed incomes and rely on lower prices and tax credits in order to receive the affordable health care all citizens regardless of age deserve.  This plan’s desire to defund Planned Parenthood would strip educational and preventative resources from the populations that typically can’t afford the wellness services this crucial organization provides.

In Los Angeles County, where I reside, has the lowest average premium increase in the state, and a 60-year-old would be charged nearly $5,300 more in premiums by this GOP-led plan.  This is unacceptable.  When health care becomes too expensive, individuals stop going to the doctor, the health of the state overall goes down, and citizens have to foot the bill.

As usual, the Republicans disregard and discredit the most in-need populations of our society: the elderly, the disadvantaged, and the diverse communities and it is somewhat ironic that the majority of these folks reside in Republican districts and are their very own constituents. Many studies show that these populations suffer from inadequate health care – the ACA provides for these groups.  Healthy people contribute to our economy and our communities.  I am truly disappointed by this bill.

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Senator Bradford represents the Los Angeles County communities of Carson, Compton, West Compton, Gardena, Harbor City, Hawthorne, Inglewood, Lawndale, Lennox, West Carson, Watts, Willowbrook, and Wilmington