Millions of Americans will lose access to safety net programs that provide critical access to care, medications, diabetes technology, and food for people with diabetes
The American Diabetes Association® (ADA), issued the following statement in response to the U.S. House of Representative’s approval of H.R. 1, the reconciliation bill that significantly cuts access to health care and nutrition programs for millions of Americans living with diabetes.
“The ADA is saddened and concerned by today’s action by the U.S. House of Representatives to approve the Senate version of H.R.1. The bill will drastically cut access to Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), the Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance marketplace and premium tax credits, and hunger and nutrition assistance programs. These changes will result in harmful and drastic health care coverage losses for nearly 12 million hardworking Americans who rely on these programs to remain healthy and avoid serious and sometimes preventable comorbidities including amputation of the lower extremities, new cases of blindness among adults, kidney failure, liver and vascular disease. While diabetes can be managed, this can only occur when people have access to the care, medication, technology, and nutrition required to support their health. Unfortunately, today’s approval of H.R.1 puts Americans living with diabetes at serious health risk and may result in higher health care expenditures related to the treatment of diabetes and the comorbidities associated with it.
Background
On July 3, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1. The legislation will result in health care coverage losses in Medicaid, CHIP, and ACA insurance marketplaces. People living with diabetes are more likely to receive their health care through government sponsored programs. H.R. 1 will undermine access to Americans living with diabetes and will potentially result in increased costs to treat serious comorbidities associated with the disease.
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About the American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization fighting to end diabetes and helping people thrive. This year, the ADA celebrates 85 years of driving discovery and research to prevent, manage, treat, and ultimately cure diabetes—and we’re not stopping. There are 136 million Americans living with diabetes or prediabetes. Through advocacy, program development, and education, we’re fighting for them all. To learn more or to get involved, visit us at diabetes.org or call 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383). Join us in the fight on Facebook (American Diabetes Association), Spanish Facebook (Asociación Americana de la Diabetes), LinkedIn (American Diabetes Association), and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn). To learn more about how we are advocating for everyone affected by diabetes, visit us on X (@AmDiabetesAssn).
