Millions of Americans are at risk of losing access to health care as Congress is considering a budget package with the largest Medicaid cuts in history.
Medicaid, a joint federal and state program, is the single largest source of health coverage in the country. Nearly 72 million Americans, including children, seniors, pregnant people, working families with limited income and resources and people with disabilities rely on Medicaid for essential care, including doctor visits, hospitalizations, long-term care, maternity care, mental health care and rural clinic services.
The current budget proposal requires the House Committee on Energy and Commerce to cut $880 billion over 10 years. As 93% of the committee鈥檚 non-Medicare mandatory spending is on Medicaid, a substantial portion of these cuts will be to Medicaid. This will require the states to raise revenues, cut spending elsewhere or reduce Medicaid coverage.
Medicaid ensures that Americans have access to basic health care regardless of their economic status or disability. Research shows that Medicaid coverage is associated with improved health, lower rates of disability in adulthood, less medical debt and long-term financial benefits for society.
Medicaid has broad bipartisan support with 77% of Americans holding a favorable view of the program. Polling also shows that cutting federal Medicaid funding is wildly unpopular across political affiliations.
We must protect Medicaid for the millions who rely on it. Tell Congress not to endanger the health of our country.
Joan Porte, president of the League of Women Voters of Virginia
