Success: 400,000 More Low-Income Americans Gain Healthcare Coverage

Target: Ben Chafin, Virginia State Senator

Goal: Applaud the bipartisanship and advocacy that helped expand healthcare coverage to 400,000 low-income Americans.

As our national government continues to keep the U.S. healthcare system in perpetual gridlock, some state legislatures are coming together to ensure adequate health coverage for all their citizens. Campaigns such as this ForceChange petition brought awareness to the threat of significant Medicaid cuts under the Trump Administration. Since Donald Trump took office, both Maine’s and, most recently, Virginia’s state legislatures have given approval to expanded Medicaid coverage. In Virginia alone, these efforts will enable up to 400,000 low-income citizens to receive the care they need under Medicaid.

Ending years of partisan bickering, in recent days Republican members of the Republican-majority Senate united with their Democratic colleagues to assure the measure’s passage in the Senate. The Virginia House chamber later backed the proposed expansion by an even more sizable margin. With the signature of Governor Ralph Northam, who has consistently endorsed expansion, Medicaid expansion in Virginia is all but assured. Once passed, beginning next year individuals earning $16,000 or less per year will see the benefits of Medicaid firsthand.

This success was made possible through the efforts of grassroots activists. Now, empowered advocates within the 17 other states that have not expanded Medicaid to date can pursue their objective with renewed enthusiasm and vigor. Sign this petition to celebrate the success of this passionate advocacy and to encourage more healthcare success stories in the future.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Senator Chafin,

“I came to the conclusion that ‘no’ just wasn’t the answer anymore.”

Thank you for casting a decisive and courageous vote in ensuring better healthcare for your constituents. The communities you serve know better than many the untold price of economic hardship in the form of understaffed hospitals, overpriced medicines, and a crushing lack of access to even basic medical services. The combined efforts of you and your colleagues will provide an essential helping hand to as many as 400,000 Virginians who otherwise might have endured devastating chronic medical conditions unaided.

The answers will never be easy or ideal, but taking this proactive first step demonstrates a vote of confidence in the people you were elected to serve. Please continue to bridge these divides and remain their strong advocate in the future.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: Progress Ohio