HAP's Latest News

Americans voted in record numbers for this week’s election, with more than one hundred million early votes ahead of the election, and 35 million Americans going to the polls to vote in person. What issues incited such a large turnout among voters this year? 

On November 10, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in a legal suit seeking to overturn the Affordable Care Act (ACA), including protections for pre-existing medical conditions, no out-of-pocket costs for certain preventative screenings, and the ability for students to be covered under their parent’s health plan until 26.

On October 19, HAP and Pennsylvania hospital leaders participated in a media call with U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D) to discuss the impacts on rural health care if the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is overturned.

During a press conference on October 2, Governor Wolf signed an Executive Order to address health care affordability, access, and equity. HAP president and CEO Andy Carter released the following statement.

According to a recent report from The Commonwealth Fund, insurance coverage gains associated with the Affordable Care Act have stalled or eroded in most of the states between 2016 and 2018 after improving in all states between 2014 and 2016. 

Across the U.S., as the COVID-19 pandemic increases the health concerns and economic struggles of many American families, new studies continue to magnify the fact that certain Americans are being disproportionately affected by the pandemic’s devastation. Americans of color—Black, American Indian, Alaska Native Americans, and Latinx—are facing more COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths than White Americans.

Last week, the Commonwealth Fund released the results of its Biennial Health Insurance Survey, 2020, and highlighted the “persistent vulnerability” in health insurance coverage, foreshadowing an even bigger crisis in coverage: as U.S. job losses resulting from the pandemic continue to increase, many more Americans also will lose their employer-based health insurance.

The U.S. House of Representatives today passed legislation to bolster critical portions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The measure’s momentum comes on the heels of recent action by the Trump Administration aimed at dismantling the ACA.

Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Jessica Altman issued a letter to Pennsylvania’s Congressional delegation outlining specific steps Congress could take as part of the next stimulus package to help ensure access to affordable, comprehensive care for Pennsylvanians during this vulnerable time.

Today, the American Hospital Association (AHA)—in conjunction with America’s Health Insurance Plans, the American Medical Association, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce—issued a joint letter to lawmakers urging them to focus on coverage as they consider the next steps to combat COVID-19.