Medicaid Changes are Coming. Here’s What MEAction Is Fighting For.
See what we’re asking states to do—and how you can help protect healthcare for people with ME/CFS and Long COVID.
A few weeks ago, we shared how MEAction is taking action across the country to protect Medicaid access for people with ME/CFS and Long COVID. We’ve been meeting with state Medicaid leaders, showing up at Medicaid stakeholder engagement meetings, bringing our lived experiences directly to decision-makers, and pushing to ensure our community is recognized under the medical frailty exemption, and can keep the healthcare they rely on.
While progress looks different in each state, we’re continuing to press for change wherever we see an opportunity. Our strategies will continue evolving to best meet our community’s needs and capacities. This advocacy is opening new doors to advance recognition of ME/CFS, Long COVID, and other infection-associated chronic conditions (IACCs) within state public health leadership.
When we talk to state Medicaid decision-makers, what are we asking for to protect our community? We want to make sure you know what we're fighting for in this year’s Frail and Furious campaign.
Our policy recommendations for states to put our community first:
Recognize ME/CFS, Long COVID, and commonly co-occurring conditions as medically frail. Include ME/CFS, Long COVID, POTS, MCAS, and hEDS on every affected state’s list of serious or complex medical conditions that can qualify someone for the medical frailty exemption under new Medicaid work requirements.
Recognize ME/CFS as a condition that causes significant disability on its own.ME/CFS belongs in Tier 1, because significant functional impairment is part of the current diagnostic criteria.
Look at the full picture of someone’s health.If people have multiple co-occurring conditions - as many with ME/CFS do - these should be considered together to determine that they meet the medical frailty exemption.
Keep the process simple, flexible, and accessible.People with ME/CFS and Long COVID have difficulty accessing health care and navigating complicated paperwork. The process for getting an exemption should not be burdensome. And it should be highly visible throughout the application and renewal process.
Make full use of self-attestation in 2027.Applicants should be able to self-attest to a disabling illness in 2027, and this option should be clearly explained and easy to complete.
For more, read our Frail & Furious community campaign brief.
Want to get involved?
Do you have contacts at your state’s Department of Health? We are looking for warm contacts in many states so we can reach the right decision makers. Send tips to advocacy@meaction.net.
Want to advocate for Medicaid access at your state’s stakeholder meetings? States are holding meetings and webinars about work requirement implementation this fall. Visit this page - and click the link for your state to find out more. If you plan to attend a meeting, see our community campaign brief for talking points. Then, tell us about how the meeting went so we can track advocacy happening across the country.
Come to your state chapter’s meeting! Find your state or regional chapter meeting on this event page. Are you in a state without a chapter but want to get involved? Email advocacy@meaction.net.
Comments