Recent federal budget proposals have indicated significant cuts to the Medicaid program, including reductions of up to $880 billion over the next decade. Republican and Democratic members alike have repeatedly issued warnings over cuts to constituents' coverage and the medical care and support they receive through the Medicaid program.
Proposed cuts to our nation’s Medicaid program, a major source of healthcare funding for low-income individuals, including pregnant people, mothers and children, will jeopardize access to essential maternal health care services and supports, including access to midwives, birth centers, and midwifery-led care models, and potentially lead to adverse health outcomes, especially in rural and underserved areas. Medicaid covers over 40% of births annually in the United States. We must voice our collective concerns with Congress!
Recent national polling by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that 76% of voters expressed a favorable view of the program, and more than half (53%) of adults say they or a family member has received help from Medicaid at some point. ACNM encourages all members to engage with their Members of Congress and demand that Medicaid remain untouched during budget resolution discussions and proposals. Our country continues to struggle with a growing maternal health crisis, where access to qualified and evidence-based providers and essential health services remains scarce. Congress must not take actions that will further exacerbate this problem.
We have created a grassroots campaign that enables members to connect with Congress and express their opinions about the impact these proposed budget cuts will have on the people midwives serve. Please share this campaign broadly! We need everyone to engage with Congress during this tumultuous time.
Actions ACNM Has Taken:
ACNM Joins the Modern Medicaid Alliance in a Letter to Congress Regarding Medicaid Cuts
Background and Talking Points:
Medicaid's Importance for Maternity Care
Coverage: Medicaid is a crucial source of healthcare coverage for pregnant women and new mothers, particularly those with low incomes.
Services Covered: Medicaid covers prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum care, including services like check-ups, medications, and emergency room visits. Midwifery care as provided by Certified Nurse-Midwives is a mandatory benefit under the Medicaid program and states are required to cover freestanding birth center services under Medicaid.
Postpartum Extension: As of January 2025, 48 states and Washington, DC have expanded Medicaid coverage to 365 days postpartum. This expansion is critical for maternal and infant health.
Impact on Rural Areas: Medicaid is extremely important in rural areas, where access to healthcare is often limited, and hospitals may rely on Medicaid funding to provide maternity services.
Potential Impacts of Medicaid Cuts
Reduced Access to Care: Cuts to Medicaid could lead to reduced access to essential healthcare services, including maternity care, for low-income women and families.
Financial Strain: States may be forced to cut eligibility, benefits, or provider rates to balance their budgets, leading to financial strain for both individuals and healthcare providers.
Closure of Rural Hospitals: Medicaid funding is vital for the financial stability of many rural hospitals, and cuts could lead to closures or reduced services, including maternity care.
Worsening Health Outcomes: Reduced access to healthcare can lead to poorer health outcomes, including increased rates of maternal and infant mortality.
Impact on Maternity Services: Cuts could lead to the closure of maternity services in rural hospitals, forcing women to travel long distances for care, which can be difficult and dangerous.
Work Requirements: Some proposals include work requirements for Medicaid recipients, which could disproportionately affect low-income parents and caregivers, potentially leading to loss of coverage and access to care.
Examples of Proposed Cuts
Federal Funding Reductions: The House budget plan includes proposals for significant cuts to Medicaid funding, potentially leading to a reduction in federal spending of billions of dollars.
State-Level Cuts: States may be forced to make cuts to Medicaid eligibility, benefits, or provider rates to offset federal funding reductions.
Restricting Beneficiaries: Some proposals suggest restricting Medicaid eligibility, potentially impacting pregnant people and new mothers.
Shifting Costs to States: The proposed cuts could shift the burden of Medicaid funding to states, which may struggle to maintain current levels of coverage and access.
The Importance of Medicaid for a Healthy Workforce
Investing in the Future: Medicaid is a powerful investment in the health and well-being of the workforce, and cuts could lead to long-term economic consequences.
Impact on Rural Communities: Medicaid is a lifeline for many rural communities, and cuts could have a devastating impact on their health and economic stability.
Long-Term Costs: Cuts to Medicaid could lead to increased costs in the long run, as people lose access to healthcare and develop chronic conditions.