Ending the pandemic -- and recovering from it -- will take every ounce of leadership Alabama can muster. Please urge Governor Ivey to expand Medicaid and bring our federal tax dollars home to meet this historic challenge. COVID-19’s health and economic crisis only heightens the need for bold, comprehensive action that would: -Help uninsured Alabamians, many of whom are front-line workers in grocery stores, pharmacies, nursing homes, or the front office staff at hospitals, avoid the risks that come from delayed care – unchecked COVID-19 transmission, poor outcomes and overwhelming medical debt; -Boost Alabama’s economy by bringing billions of federal dollars into local and state economies as we struggle to recover from a blow of historic proportions; and, -Relieve rural health care providers from compounded financial strain, preventing additional rural hospital closures. Medicaid expansion is more popular than ever. A recent Auburn University at Montgomery poll reveals that the majority of Alabamians in almost every demographic support or strongly support Medicaid expansion for lower-income Alabamians. These voters understand that investing in a stronger health care system is a win for everyone.. Weighing the “cost” of expanding Medicaid must include not just the state’s 10 percent share of the solution. We must also consider the price we’re paying every day for failing to expand. I know that you are facing difficult challenges. The Cover Alabama Coalition wants to work with you towards a health care solution that empowers working families. Thank you for your consideration & please visit www.coveralabama.org to learn more. Sincerely,

I'm very worried about the long-term impacts of COVID-19 on our health care system, and on workers who lack health insurance. COVID-19’s health and economic crisis only heightens the need for bold, comprehensive action that would: -Help uninsured Alabamians, many of whom are front-line workers in grocery stores, pharmacies, nursing homes, or the front office staff at hospitals, avoid the risks that come from delayed care – unchecked COVID-19 transmission, poor outcomes and overwhelming medical debt; -Boost Alabama’s economy by bringing billions of federal dollars into local and state economies as we struggle to recover from a blow of historic proportions; and, -Relieve rural health care providers rom compounded financial strain, preventing additional rural hospital closures. It is in tough economic times like these that Medicaid ensures our state’s health needs are met. The health and economic consequences of COVID-19 – short-, medium- and long-term – are ours to reckon with and pay for no matter what. That means Alabama should maximize the value of every state dollar we spend and leverage the 90 percent federal match for Medicaid expansion. I know that you are facing difficult challenges. The Cover Alabama Coalition wants to work with you towards a health care solution that empowers working families. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely,

Medicaid expansion is more popular than ever. A recent Auburn University at Montgomery poll reveals that the majority of Alabamians in almost every demographic support or strongly support Medicaid expansion for lower-income Alabamians. These voters understand that investing in a stronger health care system is a win for everyone... Weighing the “cost” of expanding Medicaid must include not just the state’s 10 percent share of the solution. We must also consider the price we’re paying every day for failing to expand. Ending the pandemic -- and recovering from it -- will take every ounce of leadership we can muster. COVID-19’s health and economic crisis only heightens the need for bold, comprehensive action that would: -Help uninsured Alabamians, many of whom are front-line workers in grocery stores, pharmacies, nursing homes, or the front office staff at hospitals, avoid the risks that come from delayed care – unchecked COVID-19 transmission, poor outcomes and overwhelming medical debt; -Boost Alabama’s economy by bringing billions of federal dollars into local and state economies as we struggle to recover from a blow of historic proportions; and, -Relieve rural health care providers from compounded financial strain, preventing additional rural hospital closures. I know that you are facing difficult challenges but the Cover Alabama Coalition wants to work with you towards a health care solution that empowers working families. Thank you for your consideration & please visit, www.coveralabama.org to learn more. Sincerely,

I'm very worried about the long-term impacts of COVID-19 on our health care system, and on workers who lack health insurance. The challenge at hand only heightens the need for bold, comprehensive action that would: -Help uninsured Alabamians, many of whom are front-line workers in grocery stores, pharmacies, nursing homes, or the front office staff at hospitals, avoid the risks that come from delayed care – unchecked COVID-19 transmission, poor outcomes and overwhelming medical debt; -Boost Alabama’s economy by bringing billions of federal dollars into local and state economies as we struggle to recover from a blow of historic proportions; and, -Relieve rural health care providers from compounded financial strain, preventing additional rural hospital closures. Many experts predict we will experience an economic recession even after the virus is controlled. It is in tough economic times like these that Medicaid ensures our state’s health needs are met. The health and economic consequences of COVID-19 – short-, medium- and long-term – are ours to reckon with and pay for no matter what. That means Alabama should maximize the value of every state dollar we spend and leverage the 90 percent federal match for Medicaid expansion. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely,