Forty non-profit, non-partisan organizations have issued a joint statement urging Congress to halt proposed healthcare cuts. These groups warn that the anticipated actions of the House Energy & Commerce and Ways & Means Committees could severely impact patients relying on Medicaid and marketplace coverage.
The organizations expressed alarm over "devastating Medicaid cuts" and the potential codification of policies from the "Marketplace Integrity and Affordability" proposed rule. They argue these measures could push millions out of Medicaid and marketplace coverage at a time when healthcare costs are already high.
They noted that despite assurances that Medicaid beneficiaries would not be affected, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has indicated that significant cuts to Medicaid are unavoidable. The Energy and Commerce Committee's proposals could terminate health coverage for at least 13.7 million people, affecting low-income adults, Medicare beneficiaries, children, people with disabilities, and those with complex health conditions.
The statement emphasizes that "Medicaid and the ACA are not line items in a budget—they are literally lifelines for the patients we serve." The proposed legislation is expected to increase administrative burdens for states while limiting resources for essential healthcare services.
The groups highlighted concerns about further stratifying access to care based on perceived need, warning this could harm patients with chronic diseases who require consistent medical support. They also pointed out potential gaps in funding as states struggle to meet these new challenges.
In light of these issues, they urged congressional leaders to reject what they describe as "cruel and reckless policies," emphasizing the importance of maintaining pathways to affordable healthcare during financially challenging times for American households.
Among the signatories are prominent health advocacy organizations such as AiArthritis, Alpha-1 Foundation, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Diabetes Association, American Kidney Fund, American Lung Association, Arthritis Foundation, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Autoimmune Association, Cancer Support Community, CancerCare, Chronic Disease Coalition, Crohn's & Colitis Foundation among others.
