“Today the Trump Administration wisely withdrew a rule that would have added onerous red tape and slashed enrollment just when people need Medicaid the most, as many lose their jobs and see their hours and wages drastically cut and others are stricken with COVID-19.

Medicaid is one of the most powerful tools states have to provide health coverage and shore up the economy during times like these.  Medicaid helps ensure access to testing and treatment that saves lives, keeps hospitals open and health care workers on the job during this public health crisis.

We urge the Administration not to proceed with this rule at any point – even after the current emergency has passed. The Trump Administration should also heed the advice of health care providers, state leaders, business organizations and consumer advocates and withdraw the highly damaging Medicaid state financing and supplemental payment rule (MFAR), which would also significantly weaken Medicaid and the health safety net in this time of crisis.”

Joan Alker is the executive director of the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families and a research professor at the McCourt School of Public Policy.