Data Released Today Only Underscores the Need for Congress to Close the Coverage Gap in Upcoming Budget Legislation
Washington, DC– Today, newly-released Census data revealed that nearly 4 in 10 (38%) nonelderly adults in states that have not expanded Medicaid are uninsured. This represents the Medicaid coverage gap, which consists of millions of people who are unable to access Medicaid coverage because of Republican leaders’ refusal to adopt Medicaid expansion. The new data comes as President Biden and Democrats in Congress are working to include a federal solution to close the Medicaid coverage gap as part of the upcoming budget reconciliation package. In response, Protect Our Care Executive Director Brad Woodhouse issued the following statement:
“If lawmakers need another reason to close the Medicaid coverage gap, look no further than today’s Census data. As it stands, millions of people in states like Texas, Florida, and Georgia are blocked from accessing affordable coverage because of Republican lawmakers’ refusal to do the right thing. Medicaid expansion improves care, strengthens economies, and saves lives. Closing the coverage gap is the single most important thing Congress can do to address the inequities laid bare by the pandemic. The millions of people in the coverage gap cannot wait; the time to act is now.”