September 21,2023

Wyden and Pallone Issue Statement on CMS Action to Prevent and Fix Incorrect Medicaid Terminations

Washington, D.C. – Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and House Energy and Commerce Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr., D-N.J., today issued a statement after CMS announced that 30 states are experiencing a systems issue that is leading to children and families being inappropriately disenrolled from Medicaid during the Medicaid unwinding process:

“Today’s announcement from CMS is a strong step in the right direction to help families who count on Medicaid for health care coverage,” Wyden and Pallone said. “Ordering states to pause redeterminations and reinstate coverage for those who incorrectly lost it, particularly children, is the right approach for CMS to take on behalf of families who count on affordable health care through Medicaid.

“The process of redetermining coverage in Medicaid following the end of pandemic measures is a confusing and challenging ordeal for families who must have access to affordable health care, and clear communications from state and federal officials is essential to stop more Americans from falling through the cracks. We will continue monitoring this process for adequate transparency and accountability to ensure states are conducting this process in a way that protects families, and children in particular. It’s crucially important that states are complying with federal law and taking all necessary steps to permanently fix these problems.”

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Press Contact: Taylor Harvey