ADA joins broad coalition urging Congress to protect Medicaid

Says funding cuts would have “disastrous effect” on Americans, economy, health care system

The ADA, alongside more than 70 organizations, is urging congressional leaders to protect and preserve the Medicaid program. 
 
The Association joined a letter led by FamiliesUSA, a consumer health advocacy organization, that highlights the critical role the program plays in ensuring access to oral health care and how potential funding cuts could negatively impact millions of Americans, state economies and the broader health care system. 
 
The March 13 letter said Medicaid is a foundational source of affordable access to health care and a key driver of economic security for millions of U.S. families. The program ensures access to health care for nearly 80 million Americans, including children, families, older adults, individuals with disabilities and low-wage workers. It is also widely supported, with 74% of voters favoring better oral health access in Medicaid, the letter noted.  
 
“As Congress contemplates making drastic cuts to Medicaid through the budget reconciliation process, the consequences would be severe: elimination of oral health benefits, plummeting access to needed dental care for millions of Americans, and lasting damage to state and local economies,” the coalition said. 
 
Dental services in Medicaid are considered “optional” for states when it comes to adults and are therefore at particular risk for being cut or scaled back if states lose Medicaid funding through budget reductions or structural changes, such as block grants or caps on federal funding. While children’s oral health coverage is mandatory, it could also be impacted if states face funding shortfalls. Those who cannot access a regular source of affordable oral health care face serious consequences beyond dental issues, according to the group.  
 
There is also an economic component. Medicaid directly supports jobs, sustains rural hospitals and strengthens local economies, and making changes that undermine the fundamental structure of the program—such as cutting provider tax revenue, reducing the federal share of Medicaid spending, or imposing work reporting requirements—“all have the same disastrous effect,” according to the letter. 
 
“We urge you to take a different path. Older Americans and people with disabilities, people living in rural communities, pregnant women, people with chronic illness, small business owners, children and families, and people trying to access basic oral health care across the country are counting on you to honor your promises to secure better health and financial security. Now is the time to reject cuts to Medicaid and instead commit to strengthening and protecting the program,” the coalition concluded.