Medicaid Policy Principles & Priorities
Medicaid is one of the most powerful tools for helping people live healthier lives. Research consistently shows that Medicaid improves health outcomes, prevents premature deaths, and stimulates the economy through job creation.
Community Health Centers (CHCs) deliver care that makes Medicaid dollars go further. According to the Congressional Budget Office, CHCs reduce federal spending for both Medicaid and Medicare populations by lowering costs in emergency departments, inpatient hospitals, and other outpatient services—proving that care at health centers is both effective and efficient.
Our Medicaid Policy Principles
- Medicaid is the largest revenue source for community health centers, community governed, non-profit primary and preventive care centers that funnel all revenue back into patient care and the community.
- If financial challenges force health centers to close, patients will have no choice but to go to the emergency room and other more costly forms of care.
- Individuals residing in small towns and rural regions are more inclined to depend on Medicaid/CHIP for their health coverage compared to those in urban areas.
- Lacking access to Medicaid can lead to individuals becoming uninsured. Those without insurance are less likely to seek medical care, which can jeopardize their capacity to work or attend school, increasing their risk of incurring debt.
Our Medicaid Policy Priorities
ACH urges a targeted approach to changes in Medicaid policy, as broad changes have the potential to destabilize state Medicaid programs and community health centers, harm local economies, and exacerbate rural health care access challenges.
National Medicaid Sign-On Letter
We’ve spearheaded a national sign-on letter urging Congressional leaders to protect and stabilize the Medicaid program for health centers, their patients, and their communities.
Primary Care Collaborative Sign-On Letter
We joined members of the Primary Care Collaborative to send a letter to Congress to reject proposals that would destabilize primary care and Medicaid funding.
