Four democratic senators introduced the legislation Oct. 26, according to a news release from Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown. Two representatives introduced companion legislation in the House.
The lawmakers say extending 12 months of eligibility to Medicaid enrollees would prevent “churn,” when beneficiaries can lose their coverage for temporary increases in income, such as picking up an extra shift or earning overtime pay.
“No one should suddenly lose their health coverage because they put in some extra hours at work or took on another shift,” Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a sponsor of the bill, said in the release.
Around 38 percent of Medicaid recipients lose their coverage within one year of enrolling, according to a 2022 analysis from KFF.
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