01/29/2021

NPF joined 33 organizations representing millions of people with pre-existing conditions applaud the much-needed patient protections in two of Executive Orders issued by President Biden on January 28. The organizations released the following statement:

“President Biden’s actions this week represent a significant first step towards improving access to high-quality health coverage for people with pre-existing conditions. After facing years of challenges and increased barriers to care, the patients we serve welcome these measures announced yesterday to secure the health of our country during a time of great need. We applaud the Administration’s decision to open a special enrollment period so that millions of patients and consumers, who have been hard hit by the dual impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic downturn, can enroll in high-quality health insurance coverage.

These executive orders also make strides in unwinding the policies that have blocked some patients’ access to the Medicaid program, including work requirements. Medicaid has been a coverage lifeline for low-income Americans for decades but has recently been subject to policies that restrict access and undermine coverage. We’ve long opposed those restrictions, but they are particularly misguided during the pandemic.

Today’s announcements represent the first of what we hope are many improvements aimed at better serving the millions of people with pre-existing conditions. Together, we look forward to continuing this work with the Administration and Congress to ensure all patients have access to affordable and adequate insurance coverage.”