Ellen Allen: When Congress walks away, WV health centers step up (Opinion)

Originally published January 12, 2026 in the Charleston Gazette-Mail. 

By Ellen Allen

As thousands of West Virginians brace for losing their health insurance, one thing must be said plainly: this crisis is not inevitable. It is the direct result of choices made in Washington. With Affordable Care Act subsidies allowed to expire and more than $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts included in HR 1 — the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” — Congress has chosen policies that strip health care from working families, seniors, people with disabilities and children.

When federal leaders retreat from their responsibility, West Virginians are left to absorb the damage. I have the good fortune to work with health care professionals from Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Free and Charitable clinics: we can count on them.