February 25, 2025 – Washington, DC – The U.S. House of Representatives adopted a budget resolution this evening, priming Congress to make deep cuts in Medicaid as an offset for cuts. The budget resolution instructs the House Committee on Energy and Commerce to cut $880 billion in federal spending – necessitating cuts to Medicaid, which would have a devastating impact on the neuromuscular disease and disability communities that MDA serves. This resolution now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.
In response to the vote, Paul Melmeyer, Executive Vice President, Public Policy and Advocacy at MDA, released the following statement urging Congress to protect Medicaid during the reconciliation process:
“Make no mistake, this resolution includes cuts that would significantly harm many members of the neuromuscular disease community who rely on Medicaid for access to vital services and care. MDA will continue to do everything we can to prevent this plan from becoming law.”
Joel Cartner, MDA Director of Access Policy, stated:
"The majority of neuromuscular disease community members use Medicaid in some form. By cutting Medicaid, the U.S. House’s plan threatens access to crucial services our community needs. Individuals and families will face additional financial and administrative barriers to accessing the care, services, and equipment they need. This is bound to lead to irreversible progression of their neuromuscular disease. Unfortunately, time is muscle.
Medicaid is also vital for children in the neuromuscular disease community. Over 37 million children are on Medicaid or CHIP. Children nationwide rely on Medicaid to obtain a diagnosis and receive appropriate care – often across state lines to access the specialists they need.”
While lawmakers have noted their desire to focus on “fraud, waste and abuse” in the Medicaid program, this will not be accomplished with these cuts. Instead, millions of Americans who rely on Medicaid will have reduced access to specialists and preventative care, lifesaving treatments, and durable medical equipment. Access to home and community-based services and employment supports will be further out of reach. These cuts put the empowerment and independence of the neuromuscular community at risk.
We strongly urge Congress to reject these cuts as the reconciliation process moves forward.
About Muscular Dystrophy Association
For 75 years, the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has led the way in advancing basic and translational research in treatments and cures for the neuromuscular disease community. MDA is the largest funder of research into neuromuscular diseases after the Federal government, has founded the field of genetic neuromuscular medicine, and routinely convenes the scientific and research community to accelerate scientific breakthroughs, all in service of the neuromuscular disease community.