News

Clarksville Area Ministers Technical Assistance Network (CAMTAN) condemns the recent passing of the American Health Care Act by the House of Representatives. If passed by the Senate and signed into law millions of Americans — including people living with HIV — could possibly find themselves priced out of coverage and discriminated against for their age, gender or pre-existing conditions. "This action of our elected officials is detrimental to the treatment and quality of life for people infected with HIV and other pre-existing conditions," said Jonathan Miller Chief Digital Officer of CAMTAN. "With costs of treatment already expensive, this new plan will add burden to not only patients, but also the community resources that service these people," he continued.

"High risk pools have historically failed to provide affordable, quality coverage for people living with HIV and other pre-existing or chronic conditions, " says Larry Frampton Director of Tennessee Aids Advocay Network (TAAN). The extra $8 billion provided by the AHCA to support access to insurance through high risk pools is not sufficient and will result in under-capitalized pools, years-long waiting lists and limits on eligibility. This will ultimately cost the United States more money in future hospitalizations and other expenses.

“We are extremely disappointed in the members of the Tennessee delegation who voted for this bill and thereby condemned the 200,000 Tennesseans who had gotten access to care through the ACA to at best an uncertain future," said Nashville CARES' CEO Joseph Interrante.

CAMTAN and organizations around the nation call on the Senate to reject the ACHA and to protect affordable, qulaity, health care that provides people with preexisting conidions, including people living with HIV, and other Tennesseans deserve.