Background

Several proposals are being put forward in Congress that could result in major cuts and changes to the Medicaid program that would reduce coverage and access to care for Medicare recipients. Proposed changes include transitioning the program to a block grant or a per capita cap; imposing work requirements; and lowering the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP), which could decimate state budgets and force states to limit eligibility for their Medicaid programs. 

Medicaid is the country’s largest public health insurance program. The program is funded jointly by the states and federal government. It provides health coverage to more than 72 million, or 1 in 5, Americans, including eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities. 

Proposed cuts or changes to Medicaid could force states to drop people from coverage and/or curtail their benefits; or alternatively, to cut payments to physicians and hospitals, raise taxes or cut other programs. Millions of people could lose their health care coverage and access to care, including children, people with disabilities and low-income elderly people. Physicians, as well as hospitals, would likely see many more uninsured people and, given the increase in uncompensated care that is likely to result, some rural hospitals would be forced to close.

Action Requested: Please email your members of Congress and ask them to protect access to care for the poor, people with disabilities, children, and the elderly by preventing any cuts or changes that could reduce coverage in the Medicaid program.