***For Immediate Release***
Friday, September 20, 2019
Contact: Magdalena Cazarez
Communications Director, Nebraska Appleseed
Office: (402) 438-8853 Ext 119
Cell: (402) 504-0074
mcazarez@neappleseed.org
Nebraska health care advocates call for implementation of Medicaid expansion
Stand For Expansion. Do Not Waiver.
LINCOLN — Today, Nebraska health care advocates, including medical professionals, voiced resounding support for implementation of Medicaid expansion and urged the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to expand Medicaid coverage quickly and without barriers.
“We believe health care coverage is a vital part of living a good life. But for years, we’ve heard from many Nebraskans struggling to access quality, affordable health care because they’re in the coverage gap,” said Molly McCleery, Nebraska Appleseed’s Health Care Access Program Director. “For those in the coverage gap, Medicaid will open doors to accessing care, including preventive care, specialty care, and lifesaving treatments. We know the impact Medicaid can have on our communities. It’s time to make sure this opportunity is not lost.”
“Failure to provide care for chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes as soon as they start causes permanent damage to the kidneys, blood vessels and heart. For some, maybe another year of no treatment won’t result in kidney failure, stroke or heart attack. But waiting another year for Medicaid expansion will cause irreversible harm that does not get better when treatment is started,” said Dr. Jane Potter from Omaha, Nebraska. “Improving how and to whom we deliver care is an important part of saving lives. We can start in the right direction by granting 90,000 Nebraskans Medicaid coverage in 2019.”
Additional speakers included Dr. Carol LaCroix and Senator Adam Morfeld. The press conference was held in the Nebraska State Capitol Rotunda at 8:30 am. The hearing on LR 170, the interim study on Medicaid expansion, will be held in Room 1510 at 9 am before the Legislature’s Health and Human Services and Appropriations Committees. The Committees will hear testimony from Nebraskans on the complicated proposed plan by DHHS, including unnecessary work requirements and a two-tiered benefits system, which will result in a loss of some benefits.
For interviews and additional information, please contact Communications Director, Magdalena Cazarez.
###