Patient Groups: CMS Fails to Protect Health Care for all Utah Residents

Groups Disappointed that CMS Approved Partial Expansion in Utah

Washington, D.C., March 29, 2019 — A group of 13 patient and consumer groups issued the following statement regarding the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)’s announcement of the approval of Utah’s 1115 waiver partially expanding its Medicaid program:

“CMS’s decision to approve a partial Medicaid expansion in Utah is extremely disappointing. The approval of this 1115 waiver will limit the number of Utah residents in the Medicaid program and directly contradicts the voter-approved Medicaid expansion that was passed last November. The decision to approve another work requirement just two days after a federal judge struck down similar requirements in Arkansas and Kentucky is another unacceptable attack on patients’ access to health care coverage in the Medicaid program.

“The partial Medicaid expansion and work requirement, as well as new authority granted by CMS to let Utah cap enrollment in the Medicaid program, will limit access to Medicaid for tens of thousands of patients, leaving them without quality and affordable health care options. Full Medicaid expansion in Utah would allow approximately 150,000 low-income Utah residents to be eligible for Medicaid. This coverage would help patients access medications to manage chronic conditions, preventive services including cancer screenings, and many other treatments needed to stay healthy. Our organizations strongly encourage CMS and Utah to work together to expand the Medicaid program as voters intended to 138 percent of the federal poverty level ($29,435 for a family of three) without any financial or administrative barriers that will limit patients’ access to care.”

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American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network

American Heart Association

American Lung Association

Cancer Support Community

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Epilepsy Foundation

Global Healthy Living Foundation

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

March of Dimes

National Multiple Sclerosis Society

National Organization for Rare Disorders