1. United States
2. Mass.
3. Letter

Protect Medicare, Medicaid, and SSDI. They save lives. Ensuring access to affordable health care is crucial for saving lives and promoting well-being. The findings from the Yale study underscore the potential dire consequences of proposed changes to Medicare and Medicaid. Raising the eligibility age for Medicare and imposing work requirements for Medicaid could lead to thousands of preventable deaths each year. Furthermore, the end of continuous Medicaid enrollment jeopardizes care for millions with chronic conditions like diabetes. These policy shifts would disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, exacerbating health disparities and straining state and employer resources. Instead of restricting access, explore evidence-based solutions that expand comprehensive and affordable coverage to protect public health while reining in costs through preventive care and care coordination. Medicaid provides a vital safety net, and maintaining this program is crucial for saving lives and upholding our shared values of human dignity and social responsibility.