Alaska doctors write in support of ‘Affordable Care Act’

Editor’s note: This letter was sent to U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Sen. Mark Begich, Congressman Don Young and the editor of the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman.

To the editor:

As medical professionals in Alaska, we are writing to correct the record with respect to the Affordable Care Act. As you probably have noticed, interest groups from Outside are running numerous misleading television ads about the Affordable Care Act. Given the incredible amount of money being spent on these ads, we hope this letter plays a small role in providing accurate information about implementation of the Affordable Care Act, particularly as the Marketplace opened on Oct. 1.

First, we appreciate your bipartisan recognition that the Affordable Care Act would not be annulled during discussion of the debt ceiling. Your professional approach to the debt ceiling debate was a stark and positive contrast to the theatrics performed by other members of Congress.

Second, it is imperative that Alaskans understand the new health care choices they have as of Oct. 1 with the federal Marketplace. As you know, the governor chose not to create a state-based exchange, so we all need to work together to ensure the Alaska Marketplace works as smoothly as possible despite lack of state engagement. Fortunately, multiple companies have offered dozens of plans through the Alaska Marketplace. The prices for these plans are lower than anticipated, and the plans offer more comprehensive coverage thanks to the Affordable Care Act requirements that plans cover 10 “essential health benefits” such as preventive care, mental health treatment and maternity care. A simple comparison of pre- and post-Affordable Care Act prices can be myopic if it fails to account for the improvements in care provided by the bill.

The Affordable Care Act improves care both by ensuring provision of essential health services and by ending abusive practices by insurance companies. As medical professionals, for too long we have seen our patients victimized by gender discrimination, rescission, lifetime limits and price gouging or denial of care based on pre-existing conditions. The Affordable Care Act outlaws all of these abuses, to the benefit of patients.

As you know, the organizations running misleading television ads in Alaska are seeking repeal or defunding of the Affordable Care Act. Such a reckless action would repeal the very reforms now protecting Alaska consumers. Repeal would eliminate the improvements in quality of health plans that now are available through the Marketplace. Repeal would endanger the health and drain the pocketbooks of Alaska consumers.

We can all agree that improvements to the Affordable Care Act can and should be made, but as medical professionals we ask that you make prudent decisions and not be swayed by misleading, if well-financed, Outside advertisements.

Michael Singsaas, MD (Anchorage)

Rob Lieberson, MD (Anchorage)

Colleen Murphy, MD (Anchorage)

Peter Mjos, MD (Anchorage)

Leif Thompson, MD (Fairbanks)

Joseph W. Vargas, DDS (Fairbanks)

Paul D. Forman, MD (Wasilla)

Diane Maythorne, ANP-C (Willow)

Emily Kane, ND, LAc (Juneau)

Norman Thompson, MD (Juneau)

Burt Vanderbilt, MD (Juneau)