Rhea Landholm, brand marketing and communications manager, rheal@cfra.org or 402.687.2100 ext. 1025
Lyons, NE - On Tuesday, January 19, 2016, concerned citizens and like-minded organizations, including the Center for Rural Affairs, will hold a press conference in the State Capitol Rotunda to support the Transitional Health Care bill, which will ensure all Nebraskans are able to get the health coverage they need.
“Over 77,000 hard-working Nebraskans don’t have access to affordable health insurance,” said John Crabtree with the Center for Rural Affairs. “During the upcoming session, the Legislature will once again have the opportunity and responsibility to ensure all Nebraskans have access to the care they need!”
WHAT: Press Conference and Rally
WHEN: Tuesday, January 19th, 12 - 1pm
WHERE: State Capitol Rotunda
1445 K St, Lincoln, NE 68509
“Call your Senator and let them know you’ll be there for the press conference, standing in support of 77,000 Nebraskans that deserve access to affordable healthcare,” urged Crabtree. “If you are unable to attend, contact your Senator on January 19th and let them know that you would be there if you could, and urge them to stand with you. It’s time to make sure your elected representatives know that Nebraskans stand with their friends and family members.”
According to the Center for Rural Affairs, Nebraskans who would gain coverage under this proposal are currently trapped. More than 70 percent of them are working, but their jobs either provide no health insurance or the insurance provided is not affordable. Their income is too high to qualify for traditional Medicaid but too low to qualify for tax credits at healthcare.gov.
For those who are not working, the bill provides for referrals to job training and job placement services, as well as health coverage.
According to a University of Nebraska at Kearney study, if no action is taken, Nebraska hospitals will face nearly $500 million in uncompensated care by 2020. These costs fall particularly hard on smaller rural hospitals in our state.
The same study showed that if we do expand coverage to these Nebraskans, the move will support nearly 11,000 jobs in the state. In fact, their research found that expanding coverage to these working Nebraskans would actually save the state nearly $70 million over a 5-year period, as other programs funded by the state would no longer be necessary.
“As the Legislature takes up this debate in Lincoln, now is your chance to reach out and tell your senator that quality affordable health coverage for all Nebraskans is a smart investment,” concluded Crabtree.
