ADA highlights coalition’s warning on Medicaid cuts

The ADA is joining a coalition calling on Congress to reject a proposed budget resolution that would likely impose significant cuts to the Medicaid program.

The Partnership for Medicaid — a nationwide coalition of organizations representing clinicians, health care providers, safety net health plans and counties — emphasized in an April 3 statement that the proposed resolution includes at least $880 billion in cuts to the Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees Medicaid.   

“The Partnership for Medicaid stands ready to work with policymakers to identify more sustainable strategies to strengthen Medicaid and improve on its promise of providing high-quality coverage and access to care for populations in need,” the coalition said.
 
The partnership emphasized that Medicaid currently provides health coverage to 80 million people and plays an important role in providing access to maternity care, labor and delivery services, pediatric services, behavioral health services, primary and dental care, long-term services and supports, and other necessary services for patients who cannot afford other options for care. 

The statement expressed concern that large-scale funding reductions would shift the financial burden to state and local governments, providers and patients — many of whom may not be able to absorb the added costs. 

“Changes to Medicaid’s financing structure can result in unintended consequences that mean a loss of coverage and care,” the partnership said, warning that cuts of this magnitude could lead to increased medical debt and delayed care, a rise in uncompensated care and financial strain on health care facilities, and job losses.