Working with Policymakers to Expand Access to Affordable Coverage

At CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst), we believe that all people in our region and our country have the right to access high-quality, affordable healthcare. That’s why we’re recommending specific actions to policymakers that build on the success of Affordable Care Act (ACA), enable the ongoing expansion and funding of Medicaid and safety net services, and expand Medicare services and support for seniors through robust public/private collaboration.

While we have always advanced policy priorities on behalf of our mission and members at CareFirst, the coronavirus pandemic has added even greater urgency in our efforts to help our members during these extraordinary times, including:

• Individuals who depend on the ACA marketplace for their coverage after losing their job due to COVID-19
• Medicaid beneficiaries disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, including those who, under the ACA, benefit from an expanded social safety net
• Medicare Advantage (MA) enrollees who are at greater risk for serious illness from COVID-19 and benefit from the whole-person, coordinated care and enhanced services MA provides
• Employees who get their healthcare coverage through their place of work, as COVID-19 continues to force employers to make difficult decisions about jobs

As we look ahead, and work to make a difference in the lives of those we serve, we know support for these policies is essential—especially now. If you share our vision and would like to see more people have access to affordable care, we encourage you to read the policy priorities we’ve laid out in the links above.