Access to Health Care in a Pandemic

Concurrent Session Block 2: 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. ET Wednesday, September 16

Presentations

State and Federal Medicaid’s Vital Role in Addressing Health and Economic Emergencies
Medicaid plays an essential role in helping states respond to crises. Medicaid guarantees federal matching funds to states, which helps with unanticipated costs associated with public health emergencies, like COVID-19, and increases in enrollment that inevitably occur during times of economic downturn. Under federal guidance, states have implemented a variety of options to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, Congress enacted short-term legislative responses that increase federal funding for Medicaid and open new pathways for eligibility and payment for some COVID testing. While these responses have softened the double blow of the pandemic and its attendant recession, this session will outline the federal and state action that is necessary going forward in order to adequately address the increased need for Medicaid coverage.

• Nicole Huberfeld, JD, Boston University School of Public Health and School of Law
• Sidney Watson, JD, Saint Louis University Law School

The Limits of Private Health Insurance
Shelter-in-place orders, social distancing, and other public health strategies to address the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in high unemployment in the U.S., leaving many who had employer provided health insurance without coverage. Those who are not eligible for employer-sponsored insurance must fend for themselves in the non-group market, unless they qualify for government-sponsored insurance or safety net programs. This session will discuss the private insurance market and the existing flaws in the patchwork approach to paying for and providing access to medical care in the U.S.

• Nicole Huberfeld, JD, Boston University School of Public Health and School of Law
• Sidney Watson, JD, Saint Louis University Law School