PoliticsHealth-Care Workers Urge Medicaid Expansion a Year After Pandemic

Health-Care Workers Urge Medicaid Expansion a Year After Pandemic

-

- Advertisment -sslate

More than 790,000 Tennesseans have been infected with COVID-19, and more than 11,000 have lost their lives one year into the novel coronavirus pandemic. Health-care workers say the experiences of patients without health coverage during the pandemic should prompt lawmakers to consider Medicaid expansion.

CEO of Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center, Katina Beard, said the state’s essential workers, who are disproportionately Black and Brown people, also are more likely to work in jobs that do not provide health coverage.

“So we have seen a direct impact in what the coronavirus did for individuals,” said Beard, “particularly in their ability to retain their private insurance, and the number of individuals who lost their insurance over the course of a year.”

A recent report from Families USA found that nationwide, for each 10% increase in counties whose residents who lacked health insurance, COVID-19 cases spiked by 70%, and deaths increased by 40%.

The focus of a new federal COVID relief package has now shifted to the U.S. Senate.

Opponents of expansion say that even with new financial incentives for Medicaid the federal government has offered to states under the American Rescue Plan Act, loosening restrictions on the program remains costly.

Nashville pulmonologist Dr. Robert Miller explained some of his COVID-19 patients can’t access recommended treatments – such as antibody infusions – because of lack of coverage.

“About one out of three people who have died have been people who have not had access to health care or have been uninsured,” said Miller. “It is something that is going to take a lot, including expanding Medicaid or Tenncare in Tennessee, to get them what they need.”

Tennessee is one of twelve states, most located in the Southeast, that repeatedly have refused Medicaid expansion since 2012. In these states, residents whose income is above Medicaid eligibility but below that required for Marketplace premium tax credits have remained in the coverage gap.

Sunshine Slate
Sunshine Slatehttps://www.sunshineslate.com
Sunshine Slate is your news, entertainment, music fashion website. We provide you with the latest breaking news and videos straight from the United States of America.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest news

Starting a Business informally is beneficial for Growth

Starting a business informally almost always benefits its development in the early stages, new research from NEOMA Business School reveals.

Why Must You Go for Professional Lawn Mowing Services?

The best Lawn Mowing specialist is knowledgeable about different grass varieties. Know the reasons why you must know.

Upgrade Your Outdoor Space With Outdoor Travertine Tiles

Outdoor travertine tiles are a durable and stylish option for any outdoor space. Here's the complete guide for it.

Why The Eye Drop Product Recall is causing all this Panic?

In this article, we will discuss what eye drop product recalls are, why they happen, and what you should do if you have a recalled eye drop product.
- Advertisement -

Move Stress-Free with Professional Furniture Movers

Moving can be a stressful experience, but it doesn't have to be. When choosing furniture movers, ensuring they have insurance is crucial.

Best Apps for your New Mobile Phone

We can install any app from the google play store very quickly. Let’s take a look at some most amazing apps for android mobile phones.
edealo.com
- Advertisement - Motel 6
transformerscon

Must read

Best Apps for your New Mobile Phone

We can install any app from the google play store very quickly. Let’s take a look at some most amazing apps for android mobile phones.

8 Reasons to Use Bidet Converter Kit

Overall, bidet converter kits offer a range of benefits for personal hygiene, environmental sustainability, and overall health and well-being. If you're considering making the switch from traditional toilet paper, a bidet converter kit may be a great option to explore.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -sslate

You might also likeRELATED
Recommended to you