Rick Pollack,president of AHA, noted that that a spike in the number ofuninsureds could lead to long-term issues as people deferpotentially necessary care. (Photo: Shutterstock)

A coalition of some 30 groups, ranging from the AmericanHospital Association and America's Health Insurance Plans to theU.S. Chamber of Commerce and the American Medical Association, hasbanded together to ask Congress in a letter to focus on keeping Americanscovered for health care.

In no uncertain terms, Neil Bradley, executive vice presidentand chief policy officer of the Chamber, said in a statement,"There are many items that we'd like to see Congress focus on infuture legislation, and maintaining health benefits and increasingcoverage options need to be top priorities in order to continuesupporting individuals, families and employers. Our letter outlinesseveral important legislative proposals that Congress shouldadvance to ensure the American people have access to affordablehealth coverage."

Related: 3 FAQs about health care coverage andCOVID-19

A Fierce Healthcare report points out that not just the trade groupsignatories on the letter but also the Blue Cross Blue ShieldAssociation (also a signatory) have suggested offering subsidies toemployers and covering the cost of COBRA benefits for people whohave lost their jobs.

Additional suggestions made to Congress in the letter includethe expanded use of health savings accounts; a special enrollmentperiod for health insurance marketplaces; and increased eligibilityand federal financial assistance subsidies to buy coverage in thehealth insurance marketplaces.

Rick Pollack, president of AHA, noted thatthat a spike in the number of uninsureds could lead to long-termissues as people defer potentially necessary care—something alreadyhappening as elective procedures and acute care needs are beingpostponed. In addition, many people aren't seeking care for thecoronavirus, fearing the bills that will follow as doubt plaguesguidance from the White House on whether or not coronavirus costswill be covered.

The letter also emphasized to Congress that fast action isneeded because of large numbers of people dropping out of employercoverage—something that's straining both state Medicaid programsand the individual market.

Related: 

• 10 states predicted to see the highest increase innumber of uninsured
• Coronavirus costs could top $20,000, even for thosewith health insurance
• Mass job losses threaten to leave millions in U.S.uninsured