Stop Unfair Medicaid Recoveries Act of 2024

I am writing today to voice my strong support for the Stop Unfair Medicaid Recoveries Act of 2024 introduced by U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky. This important legislation would repeal the federal mandate requiring state Medicaid programs to attempt to recoup costs from the families and estates of beneficiaries who received long-term care services through Medicaid. The current Medicaid estate recovery program places an undue financial burden on low-income families, stripping thousands of their most valuable asset - the family home. Having to sell a loved one's home to pay back Medicaid costs after their passing causes incredible emotional trauma and financial devastation for the surviving family members. No other public benefit program demands repayment in this way from recipients' families after services are rendered. Forcing the sale of family homes perpetuates the racial wealth gap, keeps families trapped in cycles of poverty, and increases risks of homelessness. The negative impacts of Medicaid estate recovery fall disproportionately on communities of color, blue-collar workers, and the most economically disadvantaged populations. Furthermore, the estate recovery program creates a deterrent that causes many eligible seniors and individuals with disabilities to avoid or delay enrolling in Medicaid long-term care services out of fear of losing their homes. This prevents people from accessing the care they need and is contrary to the intended purpose of Medicaid. While the estate recovery program may aim to recoup costs, it recoups less than 1% of total Medicaid long-term care spending, meaning it is highly inefficient and ineffective from a fiscal perspective as well. The harm done to families vastly outweighs any benefits. The Stop Unfair Medicaid Recoveries Act would finally end this unjust and outdated system. No longer would Medicaid be able to place liens on recipients' homes prior to their death or attempt to force heirs to sell those homes to pay back costs after a recipient passes away. This would lift a tremendous weight off of struggling families. For these reasons, I wholeheartedly endorse the Stop Unfair Medicaid Recoveries Act and urge all members of Congress to join you in supporting this crucial legislation. Ending the cruel practice of Medicaid estate recovery is a moral and economic imperative. Thank you for your leadership on this important issue.