Post submitted by Brian McBride, former HRC Digital Strategist 

Since it was signed into law in 2010, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has been responsible for providing healthcare to 22 million Americans, including millions of LGBTQ people. But a vote is underway today by House Republicans to repeal the landmark legislation that will result in stripping away essential coverage from millions of people across the country.  

Since Republicans failed in March to pass their own version of healthcare reform -- also known as the American Health Care Act (AHCA) -- they’ve been desperately trying to ram through new amendments to this dangerous  bill which has had little public debate or a review by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO).

So there's no final text of the bill.

There's no public hearings.

And there's no updated CBO score.

— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) May 4, 2017

The CBO said the GOP’s initial version of ACHA would have caused 24 million Americans to lose their health care by 2026, with 14 million losing coverage by next year alone. But this time, their new bill is even worst -- people with pre-existing conditions like HIV and cancer are expected to be the most at risk of losing coverage or being charged astronomically higher rates for their insurance.   

CNN reports the ACHA will let states obtain waivers to let insurers charge patients more if they have a pre-existing condition. The bill also guts Medicaid, which provides critical services and lifesaving care to LGBTQ patients and other vulnerable groups.

Historically, people living with HIV and AIDS have had a difficult time obtaining private health insurance and have been particularly vulnerable to insurance industry abuses. The ACA makes it easier for people living with HIV and AIDS to get coverage because they can’t be denied healthcare coverage because of their pre-existing health condition.

The ACHA also cuts federal funding for Planned Parenthood, which could endanger the ability of such clinics to deliver preventive health services, including HIV testing and transition-related care.  

We urge HRC members, supporters and allies to call their congressperson today to urge them to vote against repeal of the ACA. Call the House switchboard at (202) 224-3121 or find the direct contact information for your congressperson here.

To learn more about how the ACA has helped saved countless lives within the LGBTQ community, click here.