By Aaron Allen, The Seattle Medium
Last Friday, U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and King County Executive Shannon Braddock sounded the alarm on the potential impact that the current federal government shutdown could have on health care and food access in the region.
Jayapal claims that the shutdown, which began last Wednesday, October 1, after Congress failed to reach a funding agreement, threatens the health and safety of Washington residents.
“Without the benefits of Affordable Care Act, Americans will die,” said Jayapal. “The Big Bad Betrayal Bill passed in July, kicks 15 million Americans off of healthcare with the biggest $1 trillion cut to Medicaid in the history of that program.”
According to the House Budget Committee, if the proposed cuts remain in place, 328,695 people in Washington state could lose health insurance, and 14 rural hospitals could be forced to close. Premiums could rise by as much as $1,550 per year. Braddock echoed Jayapal’s concerns, noting that 67,000 King County residents would no longer be able to afford coverage without Affordable Care Act subsidies.
“Make no mistake there is one party that is in control of Congress and one party that has the power to end this shutdown. Without compromise from the Congressional Republicans, we know that people will lose their health insurance,” said Braddock. “For one, without the affordable Care Act of subsidies, 67,000, King County residents will no longer be able to afford health insurance.”
“And as a result of the Medicaid restrictions passed by this Republican Congress, if changes aren’t made, 215,000 people in King County are at risk of losing their Medicaid coverage. The loss of health insurance harms people because of the loss of that coverage,” added Braddock.
In addition, Braddock says that the shutdown could cause disrupt the local health care system and limit access to health care providers.
“[The shutdown] is also dangerous for our local healthcare systems. Public health and community clinics, much like the one we are in right now, will face higher demand as patients lose their private medical providers,” says Braddock. “County run clinics, and nonprofit community health centers will increasingly become the only place where they can go to access primary and preventative care.”
“Our local health centers do not have the funding for these new patients,” continued Braddock. “Clinics are already at capacity, and with fewer patients insured, clinics will see more and more unpaid and expensive visits. This will add strain to our already limited budgets, and it will ultimately increase costs for local families.”
Jayapal also says that people could also see an increase in their health insurance premiums, if the stalemate continues.
“Now, there’s another crisis looming. Right now, insurance companies are getting ready to set their rates for the coming years, and without the extension of the ACA tax credits, 22 million additional Americans will see their premiums more than double, and healthcare will become totally unaffordable. In Washington state, the estimate is that 288,000 Washingtonians will see their premiums rise,” according to Jayapal.
In closing, Jayapal urged her congressional colleagues to “come to the table and negotiate a deal.”
“We know that we have to stand up this time and ensure that we stand up for American’s healthcare. Trump’s approval ratings are tanking, the “Big Betrayal bill” has never been more unpopular, and it’s because people are tired of being lied to, they’re tired of having promises made and promises broken,” said Jayapal. “They’re tired of having their healthcare stripped and watching their nursing homes and hospitals shut down. These are not just numbers on a page. There are real people who are affected. President Trump, come to the table and negotiate a deal that keeps the government open and saves healthcare for the American people.”
“Republicans, do your job, stop the chaos and let’s get to work on negotiating a deal that can get the Democratic votes that you need to get this done,” continued Jayapal. “Republicans controlled the House, they control the Senate, and they control the White House. And when you control all three chambers, it is incumbent upon you to actually govern. But instead, what we have seen is Republicans refused to negotiate.”
