The Affordable Care Act (ACA) continues to strengthen our healthcare system and has made healthcare more affordable and accessible than ever before. Because of the ACA, and specifically Medicaid expansion, nearly 300,000 New Mexicans have gained access to healthcare coverage. For many New Mexicans, the ACA is a lifeline.
Yet the fate of the Affordable Care Act is on the line. Last week the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals heard the lawsuit Texas v. United States challenging the validity of the act. Regardless of how the Fifth Circuit rules, it’s likely the case will likely be appealed to the Supreme Court.
Overturning the ACA would eliminate Medicaid expansion, prevent adult children from staying on their parents’ insurance until age 26 and shutdown the exchanges—kicking over a quarter-of-a-million New Mexicans off their insurance, leaving them without the coverage and care they need.
For New Mexicans like Lan Sena, the fate of the ACA is a matter of life or death. Lan and her father have been battling cancer for years and rely on the ACA to access life-saving treatment. Her grandfather passed when he was unable to afford the care he needed at the time to fight cancer. Not only is Lan’s cancer a daily struggle, she worries about her healthcare coverage and protections being taken away. That’s why during the 2019 legislative session, Lan and advocates successfully fought for comprehensive state-based pre-existing protections in anticipation of these attempts to repeal the ACA. You can learn about her story here.
Protecting the ACA in New Mexico clears the path for bolder reforms that build upon the law to reduce patient costs, expand coverage, and create a health care system that works for all New Mexicans. The Medicaid Buy-in could do just that. Our movement has helped other states chart a path to achieving these goals.
On Wednesday, July 31, at 12pm, NM Together for Healthcare is hosting our second webinar. Please join us to hear more about coverage options being discussed in other states and how we can learn lessons to help design a Medicaid Buy-in plan that meets the needs of New Mexico’s families. Click Here to Register This webinar will include special guest, Kristin Wikelius, Policy Director for United States of Care (US of Care). She works with policymakers and experts in states to improve health care affordability and access. We’ll wrap up the webinar with a question and answer discussion.
We’re excited for you to join our efforts!
