(Washington, DC) – Monday, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule that creates significant barriers to accessing health insurance, especially for low-income people, that will result in widespread coverage losses. This proposed rule comes shortly after CMS slashed navigator funding by 90 percent. This rule revokes marketplace eligibility for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients who had just gained access to ACA Marketplace insurance for the first time in November 2024. Additionally, the rule cancels the special enrollment period for very low-income people, increases the documentation required to enroll in coverage, shortens the annual open enrollment period by 30 days, and creates barriers to accessing gender-affirming care in some plans. It is estimated that up to two million people could become uninsured as a result of this rule. In response, Mina Schultz, Health Care Policy and Advocacy Manager at Young Invincibles said:
“Access to health care is a human right. This proposed rule only creates barriers to health coverage, and higher costs for care is the last thing Americans need right now. This is yet another attempt by the administration to put affordable coverage out of reach, and strip away health care from millions of Americans. Sadly, this will greatly affect the most underserved communities – people with low incomes, immigrants, rural communities, and others who already face challenges with access to health care. Instead of expanding pathways to affordable coverage, the revised standards outlined in this proposed rule will lead to millions of Americans losing their health coverage. The reality is that many patients–whether they are managing diabetes, being treated for cancer, or are having a baby–will no longer be able to access the care they need. By creating a more onerous enrollment process, and limiting opportunities to sign up, this proposed rule all but guarantees qualified individuals and families will remain uninsured. This shouldn’t be about politics; this is about ensuring that Americans have the coverage they deserve, and this disappointing rule reaffirms the administration’s lack of care for the American people and their health.”
Contact: Emma Bittner | (972) 510-3395 | [email protected]
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Young Invincibles (YI) is a national advocacy and policy nonprofit organization focused on amplifying the voice of young people in the political process at the local, state, and federal levels. YI focuses on issues impacting young adults ages 18 to 34 in higher education, health care, economic security, and civic engagement. Our offices include Washington, D.C., California, Colorado, Illinois, New York, and Texas. For more information, please [email protected]