Last week CWLA signed onto a letter led by Families USA calling on Congress to protect access to affordable, high-quality and comprehensive health insurance. The letter tells congressional leaders:
“Medicaid, Medicare, and private health insurance, including insurance provided through the health insurance marketplaces, support the health, well-being, and financial security of millions of families across the nation… Eliminating or weakening these federal protections jeopardizes the ability of people with serious health conditions to obtain the coverage and care they need.”
Speaker Paul Ryan has talked about a package of entitlement reforms that would likely include another Medicaid per capita cap block grant. Administration followed up on earlier reports of new work requirements under Medicaid.
The letter by organizations (no individuals) is open until 5 PM EST, Tuesday, January 23, goes on to state:
“Cuts or changes to these programs — including efforts to fundamentally alter the Medicaid financing structure, to weaken benefit arrangements, or to repeal parts of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) – would jeopardize the health and financial security of people across the country.”
The Senate seems less willing to take another run at an ACA repeal, although some senators say they would like another attempt. That could be a bigger challenge this year with Senator McConnell having one less member in his caucus and two additional senators battling illnesses.
