Commonwealth Analysis Says Millions Would Benefit from ACA Enhancements and Closing Medicaid Coverage Gap
Washington, D.C. — As Democrats in Congress work to include key health care priorities in upcoming budget legislation, the Commonwealth Fund released a new report showing that seven million Americans would gain coverage by passing ACA enhancements and closing the Medicaid coverage gap. Every single state would see a drop in their uninsured population, with the most significant declines in the 12 states that have not expanded Medicaid, and premiums on the ACA marketplaces would fall by an average 18 percent. In response, Protect Our Care Executive Director Brad Woodhouse issued the following statement:
“Under the leadership of President Biden, Democrats are working tirelessly to lower costs and strengthen health care for every American. This fall, Congress has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the lives of millions by giving Medicare the power to negotiate for lower drug prices, closing the Medicaid coverage gap, expanding Medicare benefits to include vision, dental, and hearing, and further reducing health care premiums for families purchasing coverage through the ACA. The Commonwealth Fund report shines a bright light on the sweeping impact just a handful of these policies can have. It is imperative that lawmakers work quickly to pass all of these health reforms to ensure healthcare is a right for every American.”
Some Highlights From The Report:
- Making ARPA premium subsidies permanent and filling the Medicaid coverage gap would reduce the number of people without insurance by nearly one-quarter, or 7.0 million people, in 2022.
- All states would see a drop in their uninsured population, with the largest percentage declines in states that have not yet expanded Medicaid eligibility.
- Enrollment in subsidized marketplace plans would nearly double, while premiums would fall by 18 percent on average.