NPs Urge Senate to Ensure Health Care Legislation Upholds Patient Protections, Coverage for Preexisting Conditions

WASHINGTON, May 5, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1628, the American Health Care Act of 2017. As the bill moves to the Senate, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) urges Senators take a measured approach ensuring any final legislation protects patient access to Medicaid, Medicare and other programs which cover the cost of care. There are more than 222,000 nurse practitioners (NPs) delivering health care to patients throughout the country. Currently, three of four NPs treat Medicare beneficiaries, and 78 percent see Medicaid patients. As this legislative reform process moves forward, proposals must protect affordable coverage regardless of preexisting conditions, uphold the principles of essential benefits, safeguard patients' access to the health care provider of their choice, including nurse practitioners, strengthen the health care workforce as well as bring greater overall efficiency to the health care system. We look forward to working with the Senate to protect patients and preserve access to care.

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) is the largest professional membership organization for nurse practitioners (NPs) of all specialties. It represents the interests of the more than 222,000 licensed NPs in the U.S.  AANP membership includes more than 76,000 individual members and 200 organizations.  AANP provides legislative leadership at the local, state and national levels, advancing health policy; promoting excellence in practice, education and research; and establishing standards that best serve NP patients and other health care consumers. As The Voice of the Nurse Practitioner®, AANP represents the interests of NPs as providers of high-quality, cost-effective, comprehensive, patient-centered health care.  To locate a nurse practitioner in your community, go to npfinder.com.  For more information about NPs, visit aanp.org.

SOURCE American Association of Nurse Practitioners

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