To Members of Congress,

As physicians, nurses, health care professionals, and students in training who are committed to caring for families in our communities, we call on Congress to close the Medicaid coverage gap to open up access to quality, affordable health care for millions of uninsured and under-insured Americans.

In our clinics and exam rooms, we see firsthand how gaps in health care coverage can put people at risk – and how expanding Medicaid can improve health, inspire hope and even save lives.

We see patients with diabetes, heart illnesses and other chronic but manageable diseases suffer unnecessarily because they delay care as a result of being uninsured.

These are working people who have incomes that are below poverty but too high to be eligible for Medicaid. And while they may qualify for financial support, health care premiums available on the marketplace through the Affordable Care Act are still unaffordable for some. Patients in this so-called “coverage gap” are often those we see with medical complications that could have been avoided with earlier, sustained and more complete care.

In Wisconsin, South Dakota, Wyoming, Kansas, Texas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina and North Carolina, millions of people who fall into this coverage gap would have health care through an expansion of Medicaid.

The Medicaid expansion provision currently being considered by Congress would temporarily close the Medicaid coverage gap by extending Marketplace subsidies below the poverty level in these 12 states. In states that have adopted the expansion, this provision would increase the federal match rate from 90 percent to 93 percent from 2023 through 2025. This provision would directly benefit 2.2 million currently uninsured Americans.

Every day, we witness how health care empowers people. Patients with chronic diseases are better able to control their illnesses. Individuals with behavioral disorders can better manage their condition so they can work and care for their families. People with injuries can bounce back. Families can stay on top of their health and wellbeing, knowing they can see a health care professional when they need to, not just when they can afford to. Access to quality, affordable health care can inspire and transform, enabling people to live full, meaningful lives while taking care of their families, working, and giving back to their communities.

Expanding health care for millions of Americans, by closing the Medicaid coverage gap, can benefit entire communities and lift families across America. As physicians, health care professionals, students and residents, we welcome your support for expanding Medicaid, and we call on Congress to take this transformative action now.

Signed: