27 Patient Groups Praise House Passage of Legislation That Extends Quality, Affordable Health Coverage to Millions

WASHINGTON, Nov. 20 (TNSPol) -- The American Lung Association issued the following joint news release with 26 organizations:

27 organizations representing millions of people with preexisting conditions welcome today's vote in the U.S. House of Representatives on H.R. 5376, which includes positive progress on key patient priorities.

"We applaud the House's efforts to advance important legislation to improve the lives of patients and consumers across the country. Today's vote represents a significant down payment on the future of our country's health. We now urge the Senate to quickly take up this package and pass this critical bill. This legislation includes key reforms that millions of patients are counting on. Those include:

* Extending enhanced advance premium tax credits (APTCs) that reduce patients' health coverage costs until 2025;

* Taking significant steps towards closing the Medicaid coverage gap, a key measure to improve health equity;

* Allowing people with high-cost employer-sponsored health coverage to access more affordable insurance through the ACA Marketplaces;

* Expanding continuous eligibility in the Medicaid program, helping kids keep their health care coverage;

* Providing permanent funding for Medicaid in the territories;

* Funding for home and community-based services to better support older adults and people with disabilities; and

* Permanently funding the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

"This historic bill will increase access to high-quality, affordable health insurance for millions of Americans - including those with pre-existing conditions. Some of these solutions are temporary, and without further action, patients will once again face similar barriers to health care in just a few years.

"Our organizations remain committed to working with Congress to permanently secure enhanced APTCs and close the Medicaid coverage gap once and for all.

"Because the solutions included in the Build Back Better Act will have immediate and profound positive impacts on the communities we serve, we celebrate the House's dedication to prioritizing the needs of people with pre-existing conditions and urge Congress to swiftly enact this legislation."