Biden Administration Medicaid Actions will Protect Patients’ Access to Care

Statement from American Lung Association President and CEO Harold Wimmer in response to the Biden Administration’s actions on Friday to rescind work requirements in the Medicaid program:

“The American Lung Association applauds the Biden Administration’s decision to reverse the punitive and failed policy of Medicaid work requirements. Work requirements do not promote the objective of the Medicaid program – to furnish medical care. The result of this policy in Arkansas was the loss of health coverage for almost 18,000 low-income individuals, including those with lung disease, in less than 6 months before courts halted implementation. During that time, people lost health coverage as a result of the administrative burden of work requirements, irreversibly worsening the progression of their disease.

“The Lung Association has repeatedly called for the end of this policy, as lung disease patients need continued access to coverage to manage their conditions and stay healthy. We look forward to working with the Biden Administration to continue to strengthen and protect the Medicaid program.”