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Whip Clyburn & Chair Doggett Lead 50 Members Urging Medicaid Coverage Gap Closure In Inflation Reduction Act

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July 28, 2022

Seizing the Historic Opportunity to Deliver Health Security for Millions of Uninsured Americans Left Out & Left Behind for So Long

Contact: Kate Stotesbery

202-494-4620

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Chair of the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, together with Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (D-SC), just led 50 House Democrats this afternoon in submitting an urgent request to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer congratulating him on the progress made with the Inflation Reduction Act and calling for inclusion of a solution for those uninsured Americans currently stuck in the “Medicaid coverage gap.” These individuals, primarily from communities of color, make too little money to receive Affordable Care Act health care coverage—harming their health and economic wellbeing.

“Millions of Americans have never received any benefit from the Affordable Care Act in States that failed to expand Medicaid due to sustained Republican opposition,” the Members write. “This has had devastating consequences for health equity, maternal mortality, and substance use disorder, among many other public health crises.”

“In your further work to move this legislation forward, it is essential that relief be provided for our most economically disadvantaged neighbors who have been stuck in the coverage gap for over a decade. We cannot afford to go home without doing something to help out those who have been left out and left behind for so long,” they conclude.

Full letter here and below:

The Honorable Charles E. Schumer

Majority Leader

322 Hart Senate Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Majority Leader Schumer,

Congratulations on the progress you have made with Senator Manchin on the Inflation Reduction Act.  Millions of Americans have never received any benefit from the Affordable Care Act in States that failed to expand Medicaid due to sustained Republican opposition.  This has had devastating consequences for health equity, maternal mortality, and substance use disorder, among many other public health crises. 

In your further work to move this legislation forward, it is essential that relief be provided for our most economically disadvantaged neighbors who have been stuck in the coverage gap for over a decade.

We cannot afford to go home without doing something to help out those who have been left out and left behind for so long.

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Issues:Healthcare