Amy Friedrich-Karnik (Director of Federal Policy) explains why protecting Medicaid is critical for sexual and reproductive health, highlighting its role in reducing racial disparities and ensuring access to family planning for millions.
Medicaid ensures affordable health care for millions of people in the US
Transcript: Medicaid is the reason millions of people have access to affordable and comprehensive health care. It's not just insurance coverage. It can be a lifeline for sexual and reproductive health. But this vital program faces imminent threats from Congress and the Trump administration.
In 2023, 16.2 million women of reproductive age between the ages of 15 and 49 were insured through Medicaid. And for women in that group with family incomes under $15,000 a year, more than half relied on Medicaid coverage.
Medicaid is essential to reducing racial disparities in health care for many Black people and other people of color. It is the only reliable path to accessing medical care in a system shaped by racism and economic inequality.
It also helps promote person-centered care and reproductive freedom by covering essential family planning services, including a wide range of affordable contraceptive options.
We can't afford any cuts to Medicaid. Protecting it means protecting sexual and reproductive health and rights for all.
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