On April 26th, the Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023 passed by a slim party-line margin of 217 to 215 in the House of Representatives. Excluding the three absent votes, every House Republican voted in favor of the bill. As a nonpartisan and national membership association that unites clinicians, advocates, and organizations committed to establishing a robust and diverse workforce, the Association of Clinicians for the Underserved (ACU) would like the Senate to take a closer look at certain Medicaid provisions within this debt ceiling bill.

In August 2022, the national uninsured rate reached an all-time low of 8 percent in early 2022, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). ACU believes that Congress should build on this goal of increased healthcare access and lowered costs for Americans by extending the enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits, increasing the affordability of prescription drugs for Medicare beneficiaries, expanding enrollment outreach, and strengthening our country’s healthcare workforce.

Unfortunately, the proposed legislation within the debt ceiling bill includes Medicaid work requirements that, if implemented, would jeopardize approximately 21 million Americans’ health coverage and access to care according to a new Medicaid analysis by HHS. Studies show work reporting requirements reduce enrollment and limit access to care, but don’t increase employment. In fact, a 2018 report on Medicaid work requirements predicted that this lengthy process filled with bureaucratic red tape would result in millions of enrollees losing coverage, despite meeting the work requirements or qualifying for an exemption. Losing Medicaid coverage is stressful and can lead to skipped medication, financial challenges, and an overall lower quality of health and life. Instead, Congress should look to expand Medicaid coverage so individuals can prioritize their health while working and/or looking for employment.

Keep up-to-date with the latest developments by joining our network as an advocate and watch for upcoming guidance, action alerts, and more in the near future. Please contact us with any questions or if we can be of assistance in your own advocacy.

Get In Touch

Do you have further questions or need help getting started with advocacy at your health center? Please contact Jordan Marshall, ACU’s Deputy Director of Policy & Advocacy.