MONTGOMERY, AL – March 22, 2023 – Today, Rep. Paul Lee (R-86) led a special information session in the House Health Committee focused on how to address Alabama’s health care crisis and opening the conversation to discuss potential policy solutions.
The proposal marks the first public discussion by health committee leadership to ensure a path to affordable, accessible care and comes ahead of the expiration of the federal protections for Medicaid coverage at the end of the month that is estimated to leave 61,000 Alabamians disenrolled from Medicaid, compounding the existing coverage gap in the state that has blocked 220,000 residents from affordable health care coverage.
The below statement is on behalf of Jane Adams, Alabama Government Relations Director at the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in reaction.
“We’re encouraged to see today’s comments by Chairman Lee recognizing the dire state of health care in Alabama and prioritizing the affordability issue that lies at the heart of it.
“More so, we’re thankful for Rep. Lee for sparking a wider conversation within the state legislature at the onset of the session and for his public commitment to addressing one of our state’s most critical issues.
“It’s our hope such discussions build into strong, comprehensive action for the thousands of families who are blocked out of affordable coverage by increasing Medicaid eligibility to 138% above the federal poverty line. We look forwarding to working with Rep. Lee to ensure such evidence-based action this session.”
According to an ACS CAN poll in 2022 on the issue, most voters across party lines agree (81%) the government should protect people so they don’t lose their health insurance during this time of high inflation. ACS CAN continues to advocate for the legislature and Gov. Ivey to take up measures to increase eligibility to Medicaid and provide residents with the health care they need to thrive.