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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 11, 2020
FOR MORE INFORMATION:  Jeff Van Ness, (202) 204-7515

WASHINGTON—Today, the Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP) recognized Representative John Katko (R-N.Y.) with its 2020 Congressional Leadership Award. The award is given to a Member of Congress who demonstrates a commitment to protecting and strengthening programs vital to the health and well-being of people with low incomes.

ACAP honored Representative Katko for being the lead Republican sponsor of the bipartisan H.R. 1879, the Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act of 2019, which he introduced with Representative Joseph P. Kennedy III (D-Mass.) The bill provides 12-month continuous eligibility for all Medicaid and CHIP enrollees, in an effort to combat the pernicious effects of “churn” in the two programs.

Frequently triggered by issues such as lost paperwork and small, temporary increases in income, “churn” leads to interruptions in coverage for Americans with low incomes. The Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act would improve continuity of care, which is particularly important for people with complex chronic illnesses or people who suffer from opioid and other substance use disorders.

In addition to introducing the Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act, Representative Katko opposed efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act in the last Congress. This Congress, he voted to protect the Affordable Care Act from litigation that would have rendered the entire law unconstitutional. He has also introduced bipartisan bills to address physician shortages among primary care and mental health providers. He has also worked to support medical research and fill in gaps in the pediatric behavioral health care system.

“Representative Katko brings a pragmatic, problem-solving approach to addressing issues in health policy,” said ACAP CEO Margaret A. Murray. “His continued commitment to improving health care for the most vulnerable populations is why we recognize him today.”

The award was presented at ACAP’s 2020 Congressional Fly-in.

About ACAP
ACAP represents 67 Safety Net Health Plans, which provide health coverage to more than 20 million people in 29 states. Safety Net Health Plans serve their members through Medicaid, Medicare, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), the Marketplace and other health programs. For more information, visit communityplans.net.

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