Congressman Cárdenas on the passage of the At-Risk Youth Medicaid Protection Act
Below is a statement from Congressman Tony Cárdenas (D-CA) on today’s passage of the At-Risk Youth Medicaid Protection Act, a bipartisan bill sponsored by Cárdenas and Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA) included in the Opioid Package on the House floor today:
“The opioid epidemic has been affecting children and American families for too long. Families suffering from addiction need access to good, affordable healthcare to ensure they can recover and be made whole again. Drug addiction treatment is necessary, but for many, physical and mental healthcare professionals will also play a critical role. Often, victims of this crisis are struggling beyond their addiction. They’ve experienced homelessness, job loss, isolation from traditional support systems, and involvement in the criminal justice system. This makes access to medical care almost impossible. We must do better, and this bill is a start.”
The At-Risk Youth Medicaid Protection Act will keep young American Medicaid recipients from being permanently kicked off their healthcare if they come into contact with the criminal justice system. Right now, these young people suffer greatly when they return home to find they can no longer see their doctor, especially if they are recovering from addiction. This bill will end this practice, which will help the children, their families and the communities where they live.”
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