Por Johnathan Hladik, exdirector de políticas
La Ley de Cuidado de Salud Asequible se promulgó hace seis años este mes. La tasa de personas sin seguro médico es ahora del 11.9%, la más baja jamás registrada. Aproximadamente 17 millones más de estadounidenses tienen seguro médico hoy que antes de la aprobación de la ley. Los hospitales de todo el país han ahorrado decenas de miles de millones de dólares en atención médica no remunerada.
Despite this progress, over 5 million Americans remain unable to access health insurance because they fall into the “coverage gap.” These individuals make too much income to qualify for Medicaid, but too little to be eligible for the tax credits that make private health insurance affordable.
While 80% of this group live with incomes below the Federal Poverty Level, over 70% have at least one full-time worker in their family. Nearly one-third of these households carry medical debt, the primary cause of bankruptcy in the nation.
Everyone stuck in the “coverage gap” lives in one of 18 states; the other 32 states have expanded Medicaid.
It’s clear the Affordable Care Act has made a positive difference. But challenges remain. A minority of states have stubbornly chosen to leave hard-working residents without access to health care. Those elected leaders have sacrificed the health of their constituents in pursuit of individual political goals.
Legislation is under consideration in the 18 states yet to expand health care access. If you live in one of those states, take this opportunity to tell your representative where you stand. Let’s work together to make the “coverage gap” a thing of the past.
