Lawmakers should prioritize support for legislation to close the Medicaid coverage gap, introduced in House today
WASHINGTON — In response to today’s introduction of the Medicaid Saves Lives Act in the House of Representatives, Health Care for America Now Executive Director Margarida Jorge released the following statement:
“The introduction of the Medicaid Saves Lives Act in the House would close the Medicaid coverage gap so that millions more people who have no access to affordable coverage can finally get regular health care. By providing a new federal healthcare coverage option for people in states that have not expanded Medicaid, this plan will help improve health outcomes, increase economic security and ensure that people can take care of their families as the nation continues to build back better.
“More than a decade after the Affordable Care Act allowed states to expand Medicaid coverage, leaders in a dozen states continue to embrace political gridlock instead of fully implementing the law so that everyone can get coverage. Meanwhile, thousands of their constituents, particularly low-wage workers and people of color, are going without the healthcare they need–even in the pandemic that continues to threaten people’s health and safety.
“It’s clear that federal action is urgently needed to close the coverage gap once and for all and to ensure that Americans’ access to health insurance does not depend on their income, zip code or background. We encourage all members of the House, especially those in states that have not yet expanded Medicaid, to support this legislation and work with the Senate and Biden administration to finally extend healthcare to the millions of Americans falling through this unacceptable crack in our healthcare system.”
