ADA opposes proposed health care cuts in reconciliation bill

The ADA has joined the Partnership for Medicaid in expressing concern with potential Medicaid cuts in the upcoming budget reconciliation bill.  

The Partnership for Medicaid is a nonpartisan coalition representing clinicians, health care providers, safety-net health plans and counties. In a May 9 letter, the coalition shared deep concern about any policy changes that will result in a reduction in coverage and access to care, an increase in the number of people uninsured, a rise in uncompensated care, and additional paperwork burden on enrollees, states, local health agencies, health plans and providers.    

“Reductions in federal financing will result in cuts to benefits and coverage for people covered by all parts of the Medicaid program. Some states will pull back on their expansion. Others will find other parts of Medicaid to cut – including optional services like adult dental, prescription drugs or home and community-based services, or payment rates to providers. Either way, reductions in federal financing means cuts to benefits and services,” the partnership said.  

The letter highlighted a number of policy changes that are being proposed including a reduction in the federal medical assistance percentage and per capita caps for the expansion population, a lower federal medical assistance percentage floor, provider taxes, work requirements, retroactive coverage and increased eligibility verification.

"The Partnership for Medicaid stands ready to work with policymakers to identify sustainable strategies to strengthen Medicaid and improve on its promise of providing high quality coverage and access to care for populations in need,” the group said. 

The ADA said it will continue to support efforts to preserve and protect Medicaid adult dental benefits as the reconciliation process moves forward. For more information, visit ADA.org/Medicaid.