A group of 13 Republican lawmakers recently sent a letter to Congressional leaders opposing cuts to Medicaid funding.
The House Budget Committee released its budget blueprint for Fiscal Year 2025 Feb. 12, and voted to advance the resolution to the full House for approval. The proposal directs House committees to cut spending by at least $1.5 trillion, with the goal of reducing spending by $2 trillion over 10 years. The Energy and Commerce Committee, which is responsible for matters related to public health and the Department of Health and Human Services, is specifically being asked to cut $880 billion over the course of a decade.
The directive has led government officials and healthcare workers to believe that cuts to Medicaid and other safety net programs are likely. Many healthcare organizations have already urged lawmakers to avoid such cuts.
The lawmakers acknowledged in their April 14 letter that many of them represent
districts that have high rates of Medicaid recipients. They stated that while they understand Medicaid reform is needed, funding cuts that threaten beneficiaries, hospitals and states should be avoided.
The lawmakers said they would not support a reconciliation bill that includes any reduction in Medicaid coverage.
“Balancing the federal budget must not come at the expense of those who depend on these benefits for their health and economic security,” the letter states.
The Partnership for Medicaid, a nonpartisan coalition of organizations, commended the lawmakers for supporting Medicaid funding. The coalition includes the American Dental Association and the American Dental Education Association.