Washington, D.C., Oct. 11, 2022 — For nearly a decade, families have been unfairly blocked from accessing affordable health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace due to the longstanding “family glitch.” On behalf of these patients and families, we are elated to say that the injustice ends today.
Last year, an estimated 5.1 million people—predominantly low-income women and children—were locked out of affordable and high-quality coverage because of the so called “family glitch.” Many were forced to either forgo health coverage or spend an unaffordable amount – nearly 16% of their family’s income – on premiums.
Now, after years of our advocacy to fix this problem, and as a result of the Biden Administration’s actions, if employer-sponsored coverage is unaffordable, family members can purchase high-quality, affordable coverage through the Healthcare.gov Marketplace instead.
Any lawsuits attempting to block this rule threaten the health of millions of families, including children, and would erect unnecessary barriers for those who need lifesaving care. Moreover, legal scholars and lawmakers agree that fixing the family glitch is consistent with the intentions of Congress when it passed the ACA more than a decade ago.
In addition to ours and other organizations representing children, families and patients, the rule has received widespread support from a diverse set of stakeholders, including healthcare providers, insurers, employers, and state officials.
As healthcare costs rise, along with the cost of employer-sponsored health insurance, it is essential that families have access to quality and affordable coverage. Studies repeatedly link high-quality health coverage to patients’ overall health and a reduction in health disparities. Fixing the family glitch will improve the health of families.
Our organizations are deeply committed to ensuring the family glitch is fixed. Patients’ lives depend on it.
ALS Association
American Heart Association
American Kidney Fund
American Lung Association
Arthritis Foundation
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Family Voices
Hemophilia Federation of America
Immune Deficiency Foundation
Lupus Foundation of America
Muscular Dystrophy Association
National Alliance on Mental Illness
National Eczema Association
National Health Council
National Hemophilia Foundation
National Kidney Foundation
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
National Organization for Rare Disorders
National Patient Advocate Foundation
Susan G. Komen
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Media Contact:
Ryan Holeywell
Executive Director, Advocacy Communications
ryan.holeywell@lls.org
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) is a global leader in the fight against cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care.