DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson participates in White House discussion on Medicaid crisis

DECATUR, GA— DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson on Tuesday, Aug. 29,participated in the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs discussion with Domestic Policy Council leaders about the emerging Medicaid crisis.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress enacted the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which included a requirement that Medicaid programs keep people continuously enrolled through the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

In May 2023, the public health emergency ended, and now, nearly 15 million people, including 6 million children, are at risk of losing their Medicaid coverage.

The discussion covered Medicaid re-enrollment and opportunities to ensure people keep coverage as the country transitions out of the public health emergency.

“Medicaid provides healthcare coverage to some of our most vulnerable populations,” said Commissioner Johnson. “We have to make sure they are informed about the redetermination process, so that we can keep working on reducing health disparities.”

Previously, Johnson hosted an Emerging Medicaid Crisis Round-Up Meeting that bought together Medicaid service providers and community stakeholders to assess the challenge, develop a plan of action and best ways to engage those that are impacted. This initiative is being led by District 3 staff member Christiana Johnson, PhD(c).

For more information, contact Commissioner Larry Johnson’s office at 404-371-2425 or visit www.commissionerlarryjohnson.com.