Release: DPG Chair DuBose Porter Blasts Rep. Sharon Cooper’s Comments on Rural Hospitals

DPG Chair DuBose Porter Blasts Rep. Sharon Cooper’s Comments on Rural Hospitals

Atlanta, GA – Today, Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter issued the following statement in response to GOP State Rep. Sharon Cooper’s comments that “there are some of those rural hospitals that need to close.”

“Just so we’re all on the same page, let’s hash out Georgia Republicans’ health care plan,” said Chairman Porter. “Republicans refuse to expand Medicaid and have done all they can to prevent 600,000 people from having coverage. They blame people with pre-existing conditions for getting sick. And now their solution for health care is to shut down hospitals if they’re not located in Metro Atlanta. They really just don’t care.”

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Background

WABE 1/21/14:  Key Ga. Lawmaker Says Some Rural Hospitals Rightfully On Chopping Block

Georgia hospitals want the state to reconsider its opposition to expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. They warn rural hospitals in particular are in danger of closing. By one estimate,as many as 15 hospitals are at risk.

A prominent state lawmaker, however, remains firmly against expansion and says some closings are indeed justified.  

“There are some of those rural hospitals that need to close,” said State Rep. Sharon Cooper, R-Marietta, chair of the House Health and Human Services Committee.

Georgia Health News 8/26/13:  Latest hospital closing a blow to rural residents

AJC 12/4/13:  Ralph Hudgens compares pre-existing conditions to a car wreck that is ‘your fault’

Athens Banner-Herald 11/19/13:  Medical providers urge Georgia lawmakers to expand Medicaid