Since January, we released poll results showing that nearly 70% of Alabama voters support expanding Medicaid. We’ve reported on the costs of not expanding Medicaid during a pandemic. And we’ve been able to share the stories of Alabamians dealing with the consequences of our state’s coverage gap. Our State of Working Alabama report in February revealed how devastating the lack of coverage has been in communities across our state: - Black and Hispanic workers don’t have equitable access to employer-sponsored health insurance. Among white workers, 62.2% had health insurance through their jobs, while only 46.4% of Black workers and 35.5% of Hispanic/Latinx workers did.
- Working-age Alabama parents are generally ineligible for Medicaid. An annual income of $4,000 would be too high for a family of three to qualify for Medicaid. And adults without dependent children or a disability aren’t eligible at all.
- Expanding Medicaid would ease some of the burdens of the COVID-19 pandemic by aiding those with newly developed chronic conditions.
Because of contributions from longtime members and new supporters alike, we’re able to reach people across the state and share stories from communities like Walker County. Community leaders there find themselves trying to ease burdens caused by the opioid epidemic, COVID-19 and lack of health care. Rev. Robyn Hinkle of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Jasper is filling in the gaps left by ineffective policies. “This is a big, giant problem,” she said. “Once you lose a job or are forced to work minimum wage, it’s very hard to be poor because of all the gaps in our system.” Dr. F. David Jones, executive director of Capstone Rural Health in Parrish, is just as determined as we are to see change. “Medicaid expansion is a no-brainer,” he said. “With that kind of money coming in, we would grow. We could bring professionals in, and it could prop up a lot of the other community health centers that do good work.” In addition to sharing stories like these, we’ve also connected nearly 3,000 Alabamians to their lawmakers. We’ve shared our analysis on critical pieces of legislation like the American Rescue Plan Act. And we’ve advocated for Medicaid expansion and other vital policy changes directly with legislators. We’re incredibly proud that Alabama Arise supporters like you are at the forefront of this fight. Right now, you have the opportunity to double your impact. Can you help us create a healthier Alabama with a gift toward our work today? | 
