Community Health Centers Strained by new Health Care Costs
Community Health Centers Strained by new Health Care Costs
ACA Insurance Policies Often Have Limited Coverage
(Washington, D.C.) – Community Health Centers nationwide are being forced to bear significant new costs associated with accepting patients who are insured under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare. Many of the people insured under the law purchased plans with limited coverage and high deductibles, but they cannot afford to pay the out-of-pocket costs required under those policies. Community Health Centers are legally prohibited from denying care to these individuals, so they are forced to bear the cost of NON-payment on their own. While these "safety-net providers" currently receive federal assistance to cover a portion of their financial losses, this funding will be dramatically reduced as the health care law is fully implemented.
Daniel Garza, Executive Director of The LIBRE Initiative, released the following statement:
"When Congress was rushing to pass the new health care law, then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi famously said they would have to pass the law so the American people could find out what was in it. Years later, we are still being treated to new evidence of just how true that is. No one told low-income workers that the policies they could afford would not cover enough of their health care costs. And no one considered the impact to the health centers who treat millions of people and would have to bear these new costs.
It's long past time for a serious debate about the real problems with this law. Congress and the president must work across the aisle to deliver on the promises that the American people relied on. Health care reform should protect Americans who have policies they like, expand choice, reduce waste in the health care system, and encourage quality care."
For interviews with a LIBRE representative, please contact: Brian Faughnan, 703-678-4581 or Steven Cruz, 202-578-6173
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