American College of Physicians: Internists Call on the Trump Administration to Open Health Insurance Enrollment Due to COVID-19

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- The American College of Physicians issued the following news release:

The American College of Physicians (ACP) this afternoon sent a letter to the Trump administration urging them to open a special enrollment period that would allow people who need health insurance to enroll through the federally-facilitated exchange while we are facing the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"COVID-19 continues to dramatically alter our way of life. We appreciate the administration and Congress' efforts to expand access to COVID-19 testing without cost sharing. However, millions remain uninsured or underinsured," wrote Robert McLean, MD, MACP, president, ACP in the letter.( https://www.acponline.org/acp_policy/letters/letter_to_vice_president_pence_and_hhs_regarding_a_special_enrollment_period_for_federally-facilitated_exchanges_april_2020.pdf) "ACP is concerned that those without comprehensive coverage may be less likely to seek and receive testing and treatment of COVID-19, endangering themselves and others."

The letter went on to note that 12 states have already taken similar steps within their state.

"We appreciate CMS' recent implementation of a special enrollment period for those who have lost job-based coverage. However, creating an emergency special enrollment period now will ensure all eligible individuals have a chance to enroll in subsidized comprehensive coverage regardless of health status or current insurance coverage status," continued Dr. McLean. "It will also enable people to enroll in coverage quickly without having to submit documents confirming loss of coverage as required under the existing special enrollment period for loss of job-based coverage."

* * *

About the American College of Physicians

The American College of Physicians is the largest medical specialty organization in the United States with members in more than 145 countries worldwide. ACP membership includes 159,000 internal medicine physicians (internists), related subspecialists, and medical students. Internal medicine physicians are specialists who apply scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to the diagnosis, treatment, and compassionate care of adults across the spectrum from health to complex illness.