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House Democratic Caucus statement on McAuliffe plan to close healthcare gap

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virginia-newToday, Governor McAuliffe unveiled his plan to help Virginians gain routine healthcare coverage through a series of executive actions.

Governor McAuliffe’s plan will provide coverage to 20,000 people with severe mental illness, help enroll 35,000 children in FAMIS and 160,000 in the Federal marketplace, provide dental benefits to pregnant women in Medicaid and FAMIS, and make it easier for veterans to seek healthcare outside of the VA system.

“I applaud Governor McAuliffe and Secretary Hazel’s impressive efforts and appreciate this entire administration for the work put into these programs,” said Democratic Leader David J. Toscano.  “Now it is up to Speaker Howell and the House Republican Caucus to come up with their own plan to close the coverage gap.”

“This is a giant step forward to help the poorest Virginians gain access to affordable health care,” said Delegate Mark Sickles.  “However, Virginia can and must do more.  It is time to unveil the House Republican plan to close the coverage gap that was promised last January that takes full advantage of our Federal tax dollars to expand coverage for all of those that fall into the gap.”

Governor McAuliffe’s plan gain will go a long way toward helping those that need coverage, but his legal authority limits Virginia from taking our $5 million a day to fully close the coverage gap for 400,000 Virginians.

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