Reconciliation bill falls short for millions needing access to healthcare
The PAN Foundation expresses its deep disappointment that changes to Medicaid and the Health Insurance Marketplace plans were included in the final version of the budget reconciliation bill, signed by President Trump late last week.
Once enacted, these changes will remove access to affordable healthcare for millions of Americans in need, including those living with life-threatening, chronic, and rare diseases.
“As a leading charitable foundation and healthcare advocacy organization, we are dedicated to accelerating access to care for those who need it most,” said Kevin L. Hagan, President and CEO of the PAN Foundation. “Unfortunately, the consequences of the healthcare provisions included in this bill will be felt far and wide—across all corners of the country.”
For many, including low-income children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with disabilities, Medicaid serves as their sole lifeline to care. The changes to Medicaid included in this bill will lead to an estimated 11.8 million Americans losing their health insurance over the next decade, according to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). In addition, the expiration of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits could lead to 5.1 million more losing their health insurance on the ACA exchanges. Americans will become sicker, health systems will suffer, medical debt will increase, and lives will be lost.
The consequences of the healthcare provisions included in this bill will be felt far and wide—across all corners of the country.
Kevin L. Hagan, President and CEO
“Over the past few weeks, Congress has heard from thousands of PAN advocates from across the country sharing their own healthcare stories and fears for what’s to come as a result of these changes,” said Amy Niles, Chief Mission Officer of the PAN Foundation. “It’s heartbreaking that their voices weren’t enough for Congress to protect their access to care. But we will continue to stand beside them as we work alongside our partners to advocate for long-term policies that improve healthcare access and affordability for all.”
Despite the changes as part of this bill, the PAN Foundation remains committed to its mission of accelerating access to care through financial assistance, advocacy, and education. Because regardless of where they live, their income, or their background, everyone should have the same opportunity to get the care they need.
About the PAN Foundation
As a leading charitable foundation and healthcare advocacy organization, the PAN Foundation is dedicated to accelerating access to treatment for those who need it most and empowering patients on their healthcare journeys. We provide critical financial assistance for treatment costs, advocate for policy solutions that expand access to care, and deliver education on complex topics—all driven by our belief that everyone deserves access to affordable, equitable healthcare.
Since 2004, our financial assistance programs have helped more than 1.3 million people to start or stay on life-changing treatment. In addition, we’ve achieved major policy victories that increase access to care, mobilized patient advocates to call for change, and educated people nationwide on critical healthcare-related topics. We’re committed to working towards a future where equitable health outcomes are a reality for all. To learn more, visit panfoundation.org.