***For Immediate Release***
Friday, March 13, 2020
Contact:
Magdalena Cazarez
Communications Director, Nebraska Appleseed
O: (402) 438-8853 ext 119
C: (402) 504-0074
mcazarez@neappleseed.org
Start Medicaid expansion to combat the spread of Coronavirus
Lincoln, NE –Today, Nebraska Governor Ricketts, as part of his address on the Coronavirus situation unfolding across the state, dismissed press questions about Nebraska’s current lack of Medicaid expansion coverage for 90,000 uninsured Nebraskans. In response, Nebraska Appleseed Executive Director, Becky Gould, issued the following statement:
“In a moment where protecting public health is the highest priority, our government leaders should be using every tool at their disposal to get ahead of this crisis and protect the lives of all Nebraskans. While preventative measures have been taken by health insurance companies and health care providers, there is still uncertainty for the 90,000 Nebraskans waiting for Medicaid expansion. Our family members, friends, and neighbors, have been waiting over 16 months to access the basic health care coverage that they need.
Coverage under Medicaid expansion, and the access to primary health care providers it brings, is another important tool to combat the spread of the Coronavirus. Medicaid can and should be expanded immediately to ensure everyone has health insurance to keep them and their families healthy. There is no barrier to taking this reasonable and realistic step. The Governor and the Department of Health and Human Services should act now to expand Medicaid and begin program enrollment.”
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