The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network held a screening recently of the film “Requiring Justice: Faith & The Coverage Gap” in Birmingham.
The organization is one of several advocating for Medicaid expansion to cover more working, low-income Alabamians. The documentary explores how Medicaid would be a lifeline for residents caught in the health coverage gap from a faith perspective.
“This screening is an engaging way to bring the community together for a critical discussion about how the Medicaid coverage gap is failing Alabama’s families, veterans and our workforce,” said ACS CAN Alabama Government Relations Director Jane Adams. “We are honored to have these panelists and believe they showcase the diverse coalition of support for expanding Medicaid in Alabama.”
Alabama is one of just a few states that hasn’t expanded Medicaid under the now decade-old Affordable Care Act. State leaders have cited the cost to the state as the main reason not to expand.
According to a 2022 analysis by the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama, the cost to the state would increase by an average of $225.4 million per year above current Medicaid expenditures over the next six years. However, the state would also see estimated average annual savings of $397.8 million over those same six years.
The short film features several faith leaders advocating for care expansion as the financially and morally correct thing to do.