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Statement of ACAP CEO Margaret A. Murray on Health Subcommittee Hearing to Strengthen the Affordable Care Act
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 23, 2021
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Jeff Van Ness, (202) 204-7515, jvanness@communityplans.net
STATEMENT OF ACAP CEO MARGARET A. MURRAY ON HEALTH SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING TO STRENGTHEN THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT
WASHINGTON— Margaret A. Murray, Chief Executive Officer of the Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP) released the following statement on the “Building on the ACA: Legislation to Expand Health Coverage and Lower Costs” hearing which will be held in the Subcommittee on Health of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce today.
“ACAP is thrilled that today, eleven years to the day after the passage of the Affordable Care Act, actions are being taken to repair and restore—not repeal and replace—the landmark law’s consumer protections.
“We are particularly heartened by the subcommittee’s inclusion of the Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Act of 2021, which would extend 12 months of continuous eligibility to all Medicaid and CHIP enrollees —a long-time ACAP priority. This bill would reduce the interruptions in coverage, widely known as “churn,” which undermine the continuity and effectiveness of the care millions of Americans receive.
“The COVID-19 pandemic, and the Medicaid maintenance of effort requirements implemented to protect access to care throughout the health crisis, show us that continuous eligibility makes a difference. It is a crucial part of a strong safety net. Let’s make it permanent.
“ACAP is also happy to see the subcommittee will discuss H.R. 1875, which would eliminate the short-term limited duration insurance exemption. Junk insurance plans have been allowed to deceive consumers by promising comprehensive coverage and failing to deliver at the precise time when it is most needed—and leaving their members with large surprise bills. Putting an end to this practice is the right thing to do.
“We thank the subcommittee for its consideration of these important pieces of legislation today and look forward to working together to push these reforms across the finish line.”
About ACAP:
ACAP represents 78 health plans, which collectively provide health coverage to more than 20 million people. Safety Net Health Plans serve their members through Medicaid, Medicare, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), the Marketplace and other publicly-sponsored health programs. For more information, visit www.communityplans.net.
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