For Immediate Release:
December 17, 2024
Statement attributable to:
125th President, National Medical Association
We look forward to working with the incoming Administration and Congress on addressing health care and public health in the U.S. While the National Medical Association (NMA) is a non-partisan organization that rises to the occasion in any political climate, we stand by our principles on health equity and social justice. We will remain steadfast in advocating to safeguard the critical gains that we have achieved in public health, diversity in our profession, and in medical education. The NMA’s primary concerns include loss of health care insurance coverage, the further erosion of reproductive rights, the elimination of the Department of Education (DOE) and the dismantling of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in medical school (and other advanced educational) programs.
Of note:
- Renewal of the three-year extension for enhanced premium tax credit for Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace enrollment plans, which expire in 2025. In 2023, the Black population represented 13.9 percent of ACA Marketplace enrollment, which aligns with the overall U.S. Black population. Loss of the extension would mean millions of Black and low-income Americans may lose health insurance.
- There is a real potential for increases in limiting abortion rights at the state level, even if the federal government remains neutral. Black women are three times as likely as white women to experience a pregnancy-related death and Black infants have the highest mortality rates than any other ethnic group. For these reasons, the availability of a medically appropriate full-range of reproductive health services is vitally important to Black families, particularly to women of childbearing age.
- The Department of Education (DOE) helps enforce anti-discrimination laws. If closed, this will directly affect diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in many medical schools, which will negatively impact patient-centric care for Black people and other underserved patients. Additionally, students with low-income backgrounds, those living in rural areas and students with disabilities will be negatively affected by the elimination of DOE.
The NMA strongly recommends educating our communities on the potential impact of the potential new health-related policies, and advises Black patients to schedule necessary doctor visits, refill prescriptions and secure appropriate vaccinations right away. Additionally, the NMA suggests Black physicians join the movement and learn more about NMA membership. Together, Black physicians can – and should – vigorously respond to anticipated health care policy changes and protect our communities.
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About the National Medical Association:
The NMA is the nation’s oldest and largest organization representing Black physicians and health professionals in the U.S. and promotes the collective interests of physicians and patients of African descent. We serve as the voice of Black physicians and a leading voice for parity in medicine, elimination of health disparities, and promotion of optimal health. To learn more about the NMA, please visit https://www.nmanet.org/.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Sherelyn Weber
469-290-4495
sherelyn@bdaviscomm.com
