The House of Representatives is set to deliberate on a budget resolution that mandates the House Energy and Commerce Committee to reduce spending by $880 billion. A significant portion of these cuts is anticipated to affect the Medicaid program, which provides coverage for nearly 80 million individuals through Medicaid and CHIP nationwide.
In response, 38 national patient advocacy organizations have issued a statement urging lawmakers to reject the proposed budget resolution. The organizations expressed strong opposition, stating: “Our organizations strongly oppose the House budget resolution, which requires massive cuts that can only be achieved by decimating the Medicaid program. There is no way to make cuts of this magnitude without taking healthcare away from seniors, children, and people with disabilities and chronic health conditions."
The groups highlighted potential changes such as instituting per capita caps, reducing federal match rates for Medicaid expansion, adding barriers like work reporting requirements, and repealing rules that enhance enrollment processes. They argue these measures would harm individuals with serious and chronic health conditions.
“Simply put, it is impossible to achieve the $880 billion savings target for the Energy and Commerce Committee without making deep cuts to the Medicaid program," they stated. "And it is impossible to structure these cuts in a way that protects seniors, children, and people with disabilities and chronic health conditions.”
The coalition includes organizations such as AiArthritis, ALS Association, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Heart Association, American Kidney Fund among others. They collectively urge members of Congress to vote against any legislation threatening access to Medicaid coverage.
