Governor Baker ‘disappointed’ in health care vote

Governor Charlie Baker. Stephan Savoia/Associated press

Republican Governor Charlie Baker said Thursday that he’s “disappointed” in the US House vote to replace the Affordable Care Act.

In a statement posted to Twitter, Baker said the bill in its current form would harm Massachusetts and urged the Senate to reject it.

“Massachusetts leads the nation in health care coverage and I am disappointed by today’s vote as this bill would significantly reduce critical funds for the Commonwealth’s health care system,” Baker said. “Maintaining flexibility through the Medicaid program is critical to the Commonwealth’s ability to provide coverage for the needy and I urge Congress to reject this bill in its current form.”

The House GOP squeaked its Obamacare replacement bill through the House on Thursday afternoon. The measure now goes to the Senate, where it faces an uncertain future.

Governor Baker's statement on the passage of the American Health Care Act by the U.S. House of Representatives. pic.twitter.com/6ftwxIRBQW

— Charlie Baker (@MassGovernor) May 4, 2017

Democratic Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, a vocal critic of President Donald Trump, also expressed disappointment in the bill’s passage.

“This action will hurt people living with pre-existing conditions, deny access to essential benefits including substance use treatment and recovery services, and trigger large reductions in vital funding to Massachusetts,” Walsh said in the statement.