03.31.2020 / Statement

Statement: With the Coronavirus Spreading at a Rapid Pace, Now is not the Time to Put Politics Before People

Washington, D.C. – Families USA released the following statement on the Trump Administration’s decision to reject the Affordable Care Act special enrollment period as deaths from the coronavirus increase.

With the Coronavirus Spreading at a Rapid Pace, Now is not the Time to Put Politics Before People

“Despite the coronavirus’ death count increasing and states and hospitals being stretched beyond capacity as they respond to the pandemic, the Trump administration decided today not to reopen enrollment for the Affordable Care Act to those who are uninsured. Although individuals can claim an individual special enrollment period if they lose employer coverage, that pathway is more difficult for individuals and not sufficient for the economic and health emergency we face.

This shows that the administration is not all in when it comes to fighting this deadly virus. Millions of people are losing their jobs—which often results in them becoming uninsured. It is essential that they promptly get health insurance; otherwise, they will hesitate to come forward and seek care when they get sick—which slows the detection of disease and spreads the already rampant epidemic.

Instead of fighting this pandemic, the administration is playing politics by remaining focused on their stubborn crusade to destroy the ACA. It’s time to stop the games and get serious. People’s lives hang in the balance.”