LDF Slams Congress for Letting Health Costs Spiral While Shutdown Devastated Black Workers
The Legal Defense Fund recently called on Congress to address rising healthcare costs following the government shutdown.
In a statement released on Friday, the LDF Director of Policy, Demetria McCain, addressed the administration, calling for respite for families burdened by the high costs of health care. McCain reports the administration has neglected a variety of issues, diverting funds to projects such as sending troops to cities rather than prioritizing concerns like rising unemployment rates.
The LDF pointed to the rising unemployment rates of Black Americans as a particular concern. Per the Economic Policy Institute, the unemployment rate amongst Black Americans has risen for three straight months, standing at 7.5% as of September.
As for healthcare costs, almost half of U.S. adults say it is difficult to afford them. These costs are expected to increase as the Affordable Care Act subsidies are set to end next month. The credits given under Obamacare have been credited with keeping health care premiums affordable for many Americans. Without them, premiums are expected to increase.
“This is not a government functioning on behalf of the people,” said McCain per the statement. “LDF calls on Congress to immediately take action to lower health care costs and to fully fund federal programs for the rest of the fiscal year.”
The call to action comes as the government shutdown ends. Per the LDF, Black federal workers were among those most impacted by the shutdown. Around 730,000 federal workers were left without pay after the 43-day pause, while 60,000 officially lost their jobs due to its economic impact. Meanwhile, around 670,000 workers have been furloughed, meaning they have temporarily been denied paid employment. They will now be paid through back pay.
The shutdown is considered the longest in the country’s history.
As a result of the pause, 0.8% in GDP was lost, amounting to about $11 billion in lost inflation-adjusted GDP. Meanwhile, 42 million SNAP recipients lost access to food SNAP benefits, losing out on an average of $6 per day. Although they are back now that the shutdown has ended, the GOP’s plan could permanently impact the program.
As of now, recipients are being forced to reapply to receive benefits, per the administration.
While this shutdown has ended, experts say another one may be expected, as the bill funds the government only through Jan. 30.