FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement attributable to:
Bruce Siegel, MD, MPH
President and CEO
America’s Essential Hospitals
WASHINGTON — As Congress and the administration work to protect the nation’s fiscal health and the well-being of its people, we call on policymakers to preserve and strengthen access to health care for low-income and marginalized populations.
We must ensure individuals now eligible for health care coverage continue to receive guaranteed access to coverage. Congress enacted Medicaid nearly six decades ago to provide comprehensive health care services to people who might otherwise lack access to care. As lawmakers consider new policies, we urge them to keep this original intent in mind.
Our nation’s essential hospitals make high-quality, equitable care available to people who face financial and social challenges. Medicaid coverage provides a lifeline for essential hospitals and patients and helps build a strong health care safety net.
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About America’s Essential Hospitals
America’s Essential Hospitals is the leading association and champion for hospitals dedicated to equitable, high-quality care for all, including those who face social and financial barriers to care. Since 1981, America’s Essential Hospitals has advanced policies and programs that promote health, health care access, and equity. We support our more than 300 members with advocacy, policy development, research, education, and leadership development. Communities depend on essential hospitals for care across the continuum, health care workforce training, research, public health and health equity, and other services. Essential hospitals innovate and adapt to lead all of health care toward better outcomes and value.
Contact:
Carl Graziano
cgraziano@essentialhospitals.org
202.585.0102
Author