The House of Representatives on Thursday passed the American Health Care Act of 2017 by a 217-213 vote with all Democrats opposing.
Chris Van Gorder, president and CEO of San Diego-based Scripps Health, shared his reaction to the vote with Becker's Hospital Review via email.
"Healthcare legislation approved by only one party will not last the test of time," he wrote. Mr. Van Gorder believes the bill's passage maintains the uncertainty around the future of healthcare and how it is going to be funded, while also creating fear and confusion among patients and healthcare providers.
"[T]his is just one more example of our elected officials refusing to compromise and work together for the good of the country," he said. "Healthcare should not be political — it's personal. It's about life and death."
Mr. Van Gorder urged elected officials to drop bipartisan arguments and work together to design a healthcare plan that increases coverage and access, improves quality and outcomes, and lowers costs.
"Good and sustainable legislation should come out of debate, compromise and the involvement of the experts — in this case, healthcare professionals," he said. "We healthcare leaders stand ready to help."