Statement: UNAC/UHCP President Denise Duncan on the New Senate Health Care Bill

July 2017

PRESS STATEMENT

Contact: Jeff Rogers, Communications Specialist
Jeff.Rogers@unacuhcp.org | 909-263-7230

LOS ANGELES — UNAC/UHCP President Denise Duncan, RN, issued the following statement on the Senate Republicans' revised health care bill:

"Instead of crafting Trumpcare legislation that gives us improved health care outcomes, the Senate Republicans have drafted another incredibly shortsighted health care bill. Millions will lose health insurance if this bill becomes law. As a nurse, I've seen firsthand what happens when an uninsured person arrives at the emergency room in dire straits. The delay in diagnosis and treatment doesn't save taxpayers any money. All of us end up paying more. But it is the patients and their families who pay the ultimate price, because delayed diagnosis and treatment can be deadly. For those who do survive, it impacts wellness, recovery, quality of life and often the ability to remain employed.

"When you analyze health care costs, you see that American spending is far above what other similar countries pay, and has been for decades. Yet we often have the worst health outcomes, with poor life expectancy, high infant mortality and rising obesity rates.

"If Senate Republicans really wanted to 'fix' health care, they would focus on how to improve health outcomes for our country. The latest Senate health care bill simply removes coverage rather than addressing the underlying problems, such as access and affordability. That is why virtually all health care and patient advocacy organizations will oppose the latest draft of this bill. Patients and those who care for them deserve better."

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United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) represents over 28,000 registered nurses and other health care professionals in California including, optometrists; pharmacists; physical, occupational and speech therapists; case managers; nurse midwives; social workers; clinical lab scientists; physician assistants and nurse practitioners.