Press Releases

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK –Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) is leading a bipartisan letter to congressional leadership calling for the next stimulus package to include assistance for workers who have lost their jobs or are furloughed so they can keep their health insurance. Nearly 22 million Americans have filed unemployment claims since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, and many are in danger of losing access to Employer Sponsored Insurance (ESI). Workers in this position have the option of keeping their insurance through COBRA, although the program can be prohibitively expensive for struggling families to afford on top of other bills.

The text of Congresswoman Horn’s letter to congressional leadership urging health care assistance for unemployed workers and families is available here.

“So many workers and families are struggling just to make ends meet during this crisis,” said Congresswoman Kendra Horn. “As we face the combined threats of a health emergency and an economic crisis, it is critical that we allow Oklahomans who’ve been laid off or furloughed to keep their insurance. No matter who you are, access to health care is vital, especially during this pandemic. As we debate the next relief package, I will continue to work for targeted, transparent, bipartisan measures that deliver timely help to the people who need it most.”

Congresswoman Horn’s letter to congressional leadership was co-signed by Reps. Steve Cohen (TN-9), Rodney Davis (IL-13), Eliot L. Engel (NY-16), Ed Case (HI-1), Kurt Schrader (OR-5), Stephanie Murphy (FL-7), Jahana Hayes (CT-5), Max Rose (NY-11), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), and Michael San Nicolas (GU-AL).

The Alliance to Fight for Health Care (AFHC), a broad-based coalition comprised of businesses, patient advocates, employer organizations, unions, local governments, health care companies, consumer groups and other stakeholders also announced its support for the letter. Heather Meade from AFHC said, “Working together, on a bipartisan basis, is critically important to ensure Congress can quickly support the health care needs of Americans who have lost their job—or been furloughed—due to COVID-19. Providing COBRA funding, through the length of the crisis, immediately helps Americans maintain their coverage and makes it easy for them to transition back to work as the economy opens up. We applaud the effort of members seeking to help Americans keep their health insurance, and the peace of mind that comes with it, in this time of crisis.”

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