This week, Congress is considering an “American Rescue Plan” COVID-19 relief package that includes critical health protections during the pandemic. For the first time in a decade, Congress has the opportunity to strengthen the reforms of the Affordable Care Act by lowering the cost of coverage for those struggling the most. NoHLA is calling on Congress to move full speed ahead with this down payment on health equity.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the vast shortcomings of our health system. The Affordable Care Act and Medicaid have played a key role as a health care safety net for millions of Washington State residents during the pandemic, but the reality is that too many people in our state still can’t afford to go to the doctor when they get sick. This is especially true for low-income and BIPOC communities, who have borne the brunt of the pandemic on top of existing unjust barriers to health care. 

With a new Congress in session, there’s now hope for a federal COVID-19 relief package on the horizon. This week, the House of Representatives will vote on a bill that would make a big impact on Washington residents by: 

• Improving Exchange premium affordability for people who purchase their coverage through Washington’s Health Benefit Exchange, WA Healthplanfinder. Premiums would be eliminated for the lowest-income enrollees, there would be a new cap on the share of income people have to pay for premiums, and people would be protected from repaying premium tax credits during recent financial instability. 
• Enhancing funding for essential Medicaid services in the pandemic, such as COVID vaccines, home-and-community-based long term care services, and tribal health providers; 
• Expanding Medicaid with new state options to prevent coverage disruptions, including allowing states to expand postpartum coverage for a full year after pregnancy ends; and
• Extending COBRA subsidies to support those who want to keep their health plan after losing employer-based coverage. 

Much more is needed to address health inequity in our state and around the nation. For example, we and many advocates are calling for even stronger legislation for states to expand Medicaid for critical populations such as postpartum individuals. But these changes are essential first steps toward advancing health justice and building a foundation for bolder reforms to make health care more equitable, accessible and affordable for everyone in our state.

Contact your U.S. Senators and Representatives today and ask them to support health care affordability in the American Rescue Plan!

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