This paper provides an overview of how history and the response to the opioid overdose epidemic play a part in widening health inequities, and what we need to do.
Affordable health care is essential for physical and mental health, financial security and employment success. However, low-income workers rarely have access to health insurance through their jobs and cannot afford to buy insurance without help. That’s why Medicaid is critical. It provides low-income people comprehensive health coverage that prevents illness, promotes children’s development, and supports employment. CLASP works to protect and build on historic gains in insurance coverage made through the Affordable Care Act—fighting back against federal efforts to repeal and block grant Medicaid and pressing states to expand their programs. We also address challenges central to the wellbeing of low-income individuals and families like accessing maternal depression treatment and young adult behavioral health.
