Despite strong advocacy from patient advocacy organizations, hospital associations, and provider groups, it was with deep disappointment that we watched as the Senate passed the budget reconciliation bill, H.R. 1, which – if passed into law – is expected to cause 11.8 million people served by Medicaid to lose health coverage.
Similar to the House version of the legislation, the Senate version includes the rapid implementation of work reporting requirements for Medicaid eligibility, punitive policies meant to reduce Medicaid funding for states that have expanded eligibility, roll backs of rules and resources intended to simplify enrollment and keep people insured, and policies that will disrupt health insurance marketplaces. These changes will force states to make difficult choices to balance their budgets, likely leading to reductions in optional benefits and waiver program availability. Many within the rare disease community rely on Medicaid for vital healthcare services, home healthcare, and caregiver services for highly complex, chronic health conditions that will be harmed through this legislation.
Please read the comparison with the House passed version, a description of key policies included, and our previous statement on House-passed bill.
But the law has not passed. This is not the end. This is a critical inflection point for our community.
It is our moment to once again activate – as our mighty rare disease community.
What Happens Next?
Since the House of Representatives and Senate versions each have meaningful differences, the bills must either be reconciled before a final bill can be passed and sent to the President for his signature or the House must now agree to pass the Senate version. This is our moment to again ensure that members of the House of Representatives hear from our mighty rare disease community.
Our Rare Disease Community Must Again Activate – The Moment is Now
This is our moment to come together – and reactivate.
We anticipate that the House of Representatives will move swiftly, working over the next two days.
Our stories have been impactful. And we need your outreach now, more than ever.
Please help us prevent the most historic cut to Medicaid coverage from becoming a reality.
TAKE ACTION HERE, your voice matters!
