Biden’s Steps to Expand Health Care Coverage

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                              

April 7, 2021

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Gov. Whitmer & Lt. Gov. Gilchrist on the Biden Administration’s Steps to Expand Health Care Coverage Under Healthy Michigan Plan

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II released the following statements after the Biden Administration sent a letter to Michigan announcing that it has taken steps to ensure greater access to health care under the Healthy Michigan Plan by removing restrictive Medicaid work requirements that were put in place under the Trump Administration.

“The Biden Administration’s decision to uphold crucial access to health care is life-changing news for the tens of thousands of Michiganders who were in danger of losing their health coverage if the requirements were implemented,” said Governor Whitmer. “No one deserves to be kicked off their health insurance when they need it most, especially in the midst of a global pandemic and historic recession. As Senate Democratic Leader, I was proud to work across the aisle to pass Medicaid expansion, and this year over one million Michiganders obtained health insurance coverage during the Health Insurance Marketplace open enrollment period or through our expanded Medicaid program. As governor, I’m grateful to have a partner in the White House with the same goal of improving health care access for Michiganders. President Biden is already making good on his promise to begin expanding access to affordable health care, and I look forward to continuing to work with his administration to keep Michiganders healthy and ensure everyone has access to the care they deserve as we make our way out of the pandemic.”

“The Biden-Harris Administration’s letter to Michigan is a step in the right direction to expand and protect access to health care for more low-income Americans and an important milestone for health and racial equity,” said Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist. “By working towards protecting and strengthening Medicaid, President Biden is helping the vulnerable Michiganders who lost their job during this pandemic—who are disproportionately Black, people of color, and women—retain health insurance. Particularly in the wake of the uncertainty around COVID-19’s long-term health impact, eliminating Medicaid work requirements is a crucial measure to safeguarding the health of Michiganders of all backgrounds.”