PHILADELPHIA – in a video interview conducted during the annual meeting of the American College of Physicians.
Robert B. Doherty, the ACP’s senior vice president, governmental affairs and public policy, and Shari M. Erickson, the organization’s vice president of governmental affairs and medical practice, addressed the future of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), cuts to the funding of Title X clinics, and the National Rifle Association’s urging of Congress to vote against the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act.
“We’re very, very concerned by a decision by a Texas judge that, if upheld on appeal, would gut the entire ACA and the decision by the administration not to defend any part of the ACA,” said Mr. Doherty.
Ms. Erikson later discussed a final rule released by the administration that she said “significantly impacts access to care for women,” particularly for those in low-income and underserved areas who may be seen by clinics that receive Title X funding.
She also addressed the rule’s effects on federally qualified health centers and other health clinics near Title X–funded clinics that are forced to close.
On a positive note, Mr. Doherty noted that the ACP is supporting legislation that has been introduced in the House to stabilize the current insurance markets.
Mr. Doherty and Ms. Erikson concluded by discussing an ACP initiative focused on reducing administrative burden for ACP members.