WASHINGTON, D.C. – Matt Eyles, president and CEO of America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), issued this statement following the announcement by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to distribute financial relief to Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) providers and yesterday’s launch of the enhanced Provider Relief Fund Payment Portal:
“Every American deserves access to high-quality, affordable health care. That’s what drives health insurance providers—a commitment to make certain that patients get the coverage and care they need when and where they need it. This commitment is even more important for the millions of people enrolled in Medicaid—the safety net for 1 in 5 Americans, including children, low-income Americans, people with disabilities, and more than 2 million veterans.
“As health care providers lead the fight against COVID-19, we must ensure that they have the resources they need to continue serving patients and communities. HHS’ announcement to distribute $15 billion to smaller Medicaid providers and $10 billion to safety-net hospitals delivers much needed support to the providers who care for the millions of low-income Americans who rely on Medicaid.
“We believe that more can—and must—be done to ensure that Americans continue to get the coverage and care they need. That’s why we joined other leading associations in sending a letter to Congress, urging them to put patients first and increase the federal matching funds for the Medicaid program by at least 12 percentage points.
“The COVID-19 crisis continues to threaten the very health of our nation. America’s health insurance providers stand ready to work with the Administration, Congress, and other stakeholders in our health care system to answer this threat. Our nation depends on it.”