CHLPI has identified several policy priorities to best serve people who are low income and/or living with chronic conditions during the pandemic. For example, read our letter on behalf of the HIV Health Care Access Working Group sent to leaders in Congress detailing our policy priorities for federal stimulus legislation. Among these and other CHLPI policy priorities are:
Ensuring Access to Medication: In coalition with the HIV Health Care Access Working Group and the Chronic Illness and Disability Partnership, CHLPI called on the Trump Administration to promote access to prescription drugs amid social distance guidance. The most recent COVID-19 stimulus package included a provision requiring Medicare Part D plans to cover prescription drugs in line with CHLPI’s demands for the duration of the emergency.
Promoting Access to Care through Medicaid: CHLPI is advocating for several Medicaid policies, including ensuring coverage for testing and treatment, increasing the federal government’s share of funding, and expanding Medicaid in states that have not yet used federal funding to increase eligibility level to 133% of the Federal Poverty Level. Additionally, CHLPI is helping advocates navigate emergency waivers (under section 1135 of the Medicaid Act) to streamline Medicaid programs in ways that facilitate workforce capacity, enrollment, and benefits.
Fighting for Hepatitis C (HCV) Treatment: Emerging evidence suggests that individuals with HCV may be at a heightened risk for severe illness as a result of coronavirus, however access to the HCV cure is restricted for many individuals living with the disease. CHLPI is working to remove discriminatory restrictions to care for individuals infected with Hepatitis C (HCV) in Medicaid programs and correctional settings. COVID-19 has underscored the responsibility of governmental agencies to both prevent the spread of infectious diseases – such as HCV and COVID-19 – and mitigate its harm for people in its legal custody or insurance responsibility.
Amplifying LGTBQ+ Resources: The LGBTQ+ community faces unique challenges and vulnerabilities during this public health emergency. CHLPI is amplifying resources and recommendations to ensure this population has equitable access to appropriate care and treatment.
Protecting the Affordable Care Act: The Trump Administration and 18 state attorneys general plan to challenge the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) through litigation before the Supreme Court under the case, California v. Texas. As the COVID-19 pandemic underscores the value of the ACA in protecting public health, CHLPI is leading advocacy efforts to urge the attorneys general to drop the case.
Identifying Additional Policy Priorities: CHLPI’s other policy priorities during the pandemic include, but are not limited to:
- Extending no-cost testing and treatment coverage to all parts of the health care system,
- Initiating a special open enrollment in the federally-run marketplaces,
- Ensuring access to telehealth,
- Limiting the impact of expected premium increases, and
- Ensuring our safety net providers receive additional relief.