Order will launch a Special Enrollment Period for health care exchanges and will protect and strengthen the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid

WARWICK, R.I. - Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) today commended President Joe Biden for taking swift executive action to protect and expand access to health care coverage in the midst of a pandemic that has claimed nearly 430,000 American lives. The executive order will re-open enrollment to the Health Insurance Marketplace from February 15, 2021, to May 15, 2021, so that more people can secure coverage. It also directs federal agencies to take measures to strengthen Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act following repeated attempts by the Trump Administration to undermine these critical programs. The following statement may be attributed to Congressman Langevin:

"As the pandemic continues to rage, expanding access to high quality, affordable health care coverage has never been more critical. My constituents, as well as Americans across the nation, are deeply concerned not only for their own health, but also the health of their families and neighbors. I commend President Biden for taking swift action to expand and strengthen invaluable health programs that ensure Americans receive the care they need in these unprecedented times.

"As infection rates rise, it is vital that we take a proactive approach to boost enrollment and increase affordability of coverage, especially for the millions of Americans with pre-existing conditions. Today's executive order to strengthen Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act is an important first step on the road toward a healthier nation.

"Sick Americans should not have to forgo treatment because they lack coverage. With today's action by the President, we are setting course to a future where more individuals and families are protected and healthy."

Read this original document at: https://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-statement-president-biden%E2%80%99s-executive-action-expand-access-health-care