Don’t allow CMS to remove enrollees from the ACA without due process & oversight

I am writing to strongly oppose the administration’s decision to cancel ACA marketplace coverage for approximately 760,000 people based on broad allegations of fraud and improper enrollment. Most people would inadvertently find out that they are not covered by the ACA plan they signed up for at the worse possible moment of their lives, during an emergency. If there IS fraud, it should be investigated BEFORE anyone is removed from their health insurance. If brokers are responsible for the fraud, then they should be investigated and held accountable. Removing hundreds of thousands of people from health insurance without clear evidence, individual notice, a meaningful opportunity to appeal, and a reliable way to correct errors is irresponsible, potentially lethal, and devastating to the individuals and their families. So many things could raise a red flag and the person may not even be aware. If they miss a phone call, change addresses, miss an email in their inbox, or never filed a claim because they were healthy they should not lose coverage because of an opaque verification process. The administration has reportedly canceled approximately 315,000 enrollments affecting 760,000 people and claims the move will save $2.2 billion. Yet officials have not provided enough public information to demonstrate how many affected enrollees were actually fraudulent, how many were legitimate consumers, or what protections are in place for people removed in error. Reports indicate that hundreds of thousands more enrollees may face additional review. You must take immediate action to: Demand that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services publicly explain the criteria and process used BEFORE they cancel these enrollments. Require advance, individualized notice, verification that the individual received the notification, and a meaningful appeal process before ANYONE loses coverage. If coverage has been cancelled, then coverage must be immediately restored for people who can verify their identity and eligibility. Ensure that people whose coverage was wrongly canceled are not denied care and that any services performed during the gap are paid in full so people are not left with unaffordable medical bills. Conduct congressional oversight of the administration’s actions, including an independent review of the data, methodology, and potential effects of these actions. Hold fraudulent brokers accountable without punishing the people who depend on ACA coverage. Protect enrollment assistance and ensure that people can receive the help they need in navigating the verification process. The Affordable Care Act marketplace exists to provide access to health insurance for people who do not receive coverage through an employer or qualify for Medicaid or other public programs. This is treating the American people as disposable or “just numbers” when attempting to correct something that is perceived as fraud. This undermines public confidence and threatens the health and financial security of many Americans. Please oppose mass cancellations without due process and work to guarantee that eligible Americans retain access to affordable health coverage. I would appreciate a written response explaining what steps you will take to protect affected constituents.