Families USA Leads Effort to Bring Together Over 300 Consumer, Provider, Faith, and Labor Groups in a Letter to Congressional Leadership Urging Protection of Critical Health Programs - Families Usa Skip to Main Content
01.25.2018 / Press Release

Families USA Leads Effort to Bring Together Over 300 Consumer, Provider, Faith, and Labor Groups in a Letter to Congressional Leadership Urging Protection of Critical Health Programs

Washington, D.C. – Today, Families USA has lead efforts with over 300 consumer, provider, faith community, labor, and other health care stakeholders to join together in a letter to Congressional Leadership urging them to protect critical health programs and oppose any effort to cut or cap Medicaid, repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA), or cut or cap other components of our nation’s safety net programs. These groups represent national organizations as well as organizations from 44 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

“It’s time to put the partisan fights behind us and work together to protect America’s critical health programs so families in America can continue to have access to high-quality, comprehensive, and affordable health care coverage,” said Frederick Isasi, executive director of Families USA.

The letter is addressed to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, House Speaker Paul Ryan, and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi asking for commitment to:

  • Prioritize the health, well-being, and the financial security of millions of families across the nation by protecting Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance, including insurance provided through the health insurance marketplaces and set aside legislative and budgetary efforts that would reduce health coverage.
  • Safeguard—and not weaken or undermine—consumer protections including Essential Health Benefits, which are crucial for people with pre-existing conditions.
  • Support states’ local economies and residents by protecting states’ ability to provide quality health insurance to their residents through their Medicaid program. Medicaid’s current state-federal partnership helps states ensures that children are able to get a healthy start in life, provides long-term care to seniors and people with disabilities, and health care to many adults including pregnant women.

The evidence is clear that when consumers have a reliable source of high-quality health coverage, they are able to access critical health services, including prevention and behavioral health services; experience better overall health status and improved health outcomes; and are protected against unexpected medical expenses. Eliminating or weakening these federal protections jeopardizes the ability of people to obtain the coverage and care they need. In addition, premium tax credits make coverage through the marketplaces affordable for millions of Americans and must not be reduced or eliminated.

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Families USA, a leading national voice for health care consumers, is dedicated to the achievement of high-quality, affordable health care and improved health for all.