NCLEJ Statement on Latest Victory in Fight to Protect Access to Health Care

NCLEJ joins with its allies and millions of Americans in celebrating the defeat of the latest Republican effort to gut the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and leave millions of Americans without access to health care. The Senate’s rejection of the Republican efforts, developed in an unprecedented secret process and rammed through to a vote without public scrutiny, is a testament to the unrelenting efforts of millions of ordinary people throughout the country to make their voices heard in Congress. The message of families, the elderly, working people, health care providers, and advocates – that denying access to health care is simply unacceptable – prevailed. It is indeed a moment for celebration.

While we should all savor this victory, we must remain vigilant to the ongoing threats to the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid. Congressional efforts to repeal the ACA and dismantle Medicaid may be dead for the time being. However, we can count on the Administration to continue its efforts to undermine access to health care through administrative actions.  For example, the Administration is likely to grant extensive waivers to allow states to impose stringent restrictions on Medicaid eligibility and services that will endanger low-income children, pregnant women, seniors, immigrants, and people with disabilities. This threat is particularly acute for low-income communities of color where access to quality health care and the means to pay for that care is already far below that of the rest of America.

NCLEJ will continue its advocacy to resist any Administration efforts to undermine Medicaid and the ACA and will fight to protect access to health care for low-income families and individuals. Please stand with us.