(WXYZ) — Governor Gretchen Whitmer is leading a coalition of 12 governors calling on the Trump administration to increase access to affordable health care.
Whitmer is joined by the governors of Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin.
The governors sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to ask for a special enrollment period of at least 30 days on the federal health care exchange.
“Too many of our constituents are uninsured or underinsured despite the steps we’ve taken at the state level,” the governors said. “As a result, far too many of our residents are choosing to forgo coronavirus testing and treatment out of fear of the potential costs to themselves and their families. It is essential that we remove every barrier as quickly as possible to ensure those in our states and across the country are able to access the treatment they need. One of the most effective ways this can be done is by opening up a federal special enrollment period to give everyone the chance to enroll in a health plan that offers the coverage they need with access to any qualifying subsidies.”
On March 12, Whitmer urged the federal government to allow for a special enrollment period under the Affordable Care Act to allow more Americans to sign up for coverage.
Additionally, U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters have also urged the administration to open a special enrollment period.
“During this crisis, we must do everything we can to ensure access to quality, affordable health care,” said Governor Whitmer. “That’s why we’re calling on the Trump Administration to do the right thing, reconsider its decision, and allow for a special enrollment period, and it’s also why we’re taking action in Michigan to expand opportunities for safe, quality care. We will continue to work with our partners across both state and federal government, as well as those in the private sector, to ensure Michiganders everywhere can access the care they need.”
View the full letter here.
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