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Health Care Access and Implementation

Immediately following the issues of Poverty and Hunger Alleviation, Health Care Access and Implementation is the leading priority for Center members. Expanding access to affordable and quality healthcare is a shared responsibility that is grounded in our common humanity. Affirming our commitment to the common good, we have an enduring responsibility to care for one another. Our work on this critical issue has brought Virginia’s faithful voice into the dialogue.

Exchange Regulations
Our members were an active force in advocating for the passage of national health care reform for the past several years. As we implement the new law in Virginia, we continue to have a voice in the debate. Last year legislation was enacted that articulates the intent of Virginia to establish a health benefits exchange as called for in national health care reform. This is a significant step forward in implementing the new health care law and is essential in laying the foundation for setting up the exchange by the required 2014 date. As Virginia moves forward in implementing the health benefits exchange, the Center will bring consumer voices to its creation. We believe the exchange should be given sufficient oversight to ensure that it responds to the needs of all Virginians. The implication is that the exchange will interface with FAMIS and Medicaid seamlessly to enroll consumers in all of the appropriate benefits available to them.

Insurance Reform
Health care is fundamental to a healthy, flourishing society. However, almost one million Virginians remain uninsured and rising health insurance premiums continue to put private coverage further out of reach for low-income Virginians. The number of uninsured Virginians continues to rise as well, though nearly two-thirds live in families with at least one person working full time. On the whole, the public health insurance options for Virginians are incredibly limited. The Affordable Care Act passed by Congress addresses a number of the root causes contributing to large uninsured and underinsured populations in Virginia.  

Medicaid Protection
Virginia is in the top 10 nationally in per capita personal income, but ranks 48th in per capita Medicaid spending, at little more than half of the national average. The work of covering vulnerable Virginians continues, and as we look to the 2012 budget cycle we will advocate against any increased eligibility requirements that would reduce the ability of vulnerable families to receive services.

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Policy Resources

NEW!
Cuts to Healthcare are bad for Virginia's Economy

General Resources
The Impact of Health Insurance Reform on Virginia (The Commonwealth Institute)

Learn About the Affordable Care Act: The Affordable Care Act (ACA) will significantly increase access to health care for many Virginians who are currently uninsured.  It will also improve care and coverage for many more.  Click here to watch an informative 30-minute webinar about the ACA, with a special focus on its impact here in Virginia.

Health Benefit Exchange
Creating an Effective Health Benefit Exchange: Key Issues for Virginia (The Commonwealth Institute)

What are Health Exchanges? (The Commonwealth Institute)

Medicaid
Medicaid Overview

Medicaid Expansion in Virginia Under the New Health Care Law (The Commonwealth Institute)

 


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