Hospital officials fear that the Republican health-insurance  bill narrowly passed by the House Thursday would, among other unpleasant results, cut their revenues. Rick Pollack, the American Hospital Association’s chief executive came out with this statement:

“America’s hospitals and health systems are deeply disappointed in the House passage of the AHCA {American Health Care Act} because it will jeopardize health coverage for millions of Americans. Despite last-minute changes, the proposal eliminates essential protections for older and sicker patients, including those with pre-existing conditions, such as cancer patients and the chronically ill. It does little to help the 24 million Americans who would be left without coverage following repeal and makes deep cuts to Medicaid, which provides essential services for the disabled, poor and elderly people in this country. As the backbone of our nation’s health safety net, America’s hospitals and health systems — which include more than 270,000 affiliated physicians and 2 million nurses and other caregivers — believe it’s vital that Medicaid be protected. We urge the Senate to restart and reset the discussion in a manner that provides coverage to those who need it and ensures that the most vulnerable are not left behind.”