ACU is extremely disappointed with the passage of H.R. 1, which was signed into law on July 4 despite overwhelming advocacy from patients, providers, and safety-net institutions across the U.S. Containing devastating cuts to Medicaid and ACA Marketplace subsidies, this legislation will result, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office’s estimation, in approximately 17 million patients losing health insurance coverage. It will also severely impact community health centers’ ability to sustain their workforce and services in a time of already acute financial pressure.
The nearly $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts will have profound impacts on our workforce, our communities, and our safety net. Some of these changes will be felt sooner than others, but all will be significant. As Axios notes, for example, ACA premiums will increase by more than 75% on average for enrollees next year after premium subsidies are allowed to expire, with significant potential impacts for CHCs. Conversely, other changes—such as the imposition of Medicaid work requirements—won’t take effect until after midterms. ACU will closely monitor these changes and will release further guidance as they evolve.
In the wake of this legislation, ACU is reaffirming our commitment to stand up for our community and for our shared mission to increase access to quality care for all. Additionally, we remain deeply grateful to you for your tireless advocacy: despite this outcome, your voice was and remains crucial. And it will play a vital role in shaping legislative discussions to come as the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) and health centers approach funding deadlines in September.
As that funding cliff nears, ACU is redoubling our advocacy for expanded funding for the NHSC and health centers. We call upon Congress to ensure that these vital programs receive the support they need to continue providing quality care to patients in medically underserved communities. And we remain here to help you: please stay tuned for further updates and calls to action, and thank you for all that you do to care for and advocate for patients in underserved communities.
About ACU
The Association of Clinicians for the Underserved (ACU) is a uniquely transdisciplinary membership organization striving to establish a robust, multifaceted workforce to help transform communities to increase access to quality health care for all. Founded in 1996 by participants in the National Health Service Corps (NHSC), ACU is the foremost advocate for the NHSC and leads advocacy, clinical, operational, and other areas of excellence and supports the healthcare workforce caring for America’s under-resourced populations. To learn more about ACU, visit www.clinicians.org.
