PROTECT MEDICAID

We proudly support the collective call to protect and strengthen Medicaid, as outlined in the recent letter signed by over 300 organizations.

Medicaid is not just a safety net for the most vulnerable in society—it is a cornerstone of the American healthcare system and a driver of economic stability. A January 3, 2025 letter signed by more than 300 organizations, addressed to Congressional leaders, discusses the importance of safeguarding Medicaid against proposed funding cuts and structural changes. This collective appeal focuses on Medicaid's profound impact on families, communities, and the national economy, urging lawmakers to prioritize its protection and expansion.

Despite its proven efficiency, Medicaid faces threats of funding cuts and structural changes. Proposals such as capping funding, reducing federal contributions, implementing block grants, and imposing work requirements could devastate the program's structure and reach. These changes would shift costs to states, health systems, and working families, reducing access to lifesaving services and increasing financial strain on struggling people.

The 2024 election cycle revealed that American families are not seeking Medicaid cuts to address budgetary challenges. On the contrary, voters demand policies that enhance affordability and access to essential services. Cutting Medicaid would betray this mandate and jeopardize the health and well-being of millions.

Instead of undermining Medicaid, Congress should focus on solutions to address inefficiencies and inflated costs within the healthcare system. Strengthening Medicaid will ensure that older adults, people with disabilities, rural communities, and working families can continue to rely on it as an essential health and economic lifeline.

Medicaid represents a shared commitment to health and equity in the United States. The program's preservation is not merely a policy decision but a moral imperative. Lawmakers can reaffirm their promises to Americans by protecting and strengthening Medicaid. As the collective voice of over 300 organizations reminds us, the nation's health and economic security depend on it.

Organization's Letter PDF

More Than 300 Organizations Urge New Congress to Protect and Strengthen Medicaid (FamiliesUSA, 1-3-25)

As House GOP Reelects Johnson as Speaker, Coalition Says Hands Off Medicaid (Common Dreams, 1-3-25)

NEW CBPP STUDY ON THE DANGERS OF REPUBLICAN PROPOSED CUTS

Proposals for a per capita cap on Medicaid funding could significantly harm millions of vulnerable Americans, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP). By capping federal funding per enrollee, states would face funding shortfalls that limit their ability to adapt to rising healthcare costs, economic downturns, or public health crises.

The CBPP warns that such caps would force states to cut services, reduce eligibility, or increase costs for enrollees, particularly as the aging population drives up demand for long-term care. Medicaid’s critical role during emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, would also be weakened, leaving millions without a reliable safety net.

While proponents argue that caps control federal spending, the CBPP stresses that they shift costs to states and individuals. With over 85 million Americans relying on Medicaid, preserving the program’s flexibility is essential to protecting healthcare access for the nation’s most vulnerable.

GOP Attack on Medicaid Puts 'Millions of People at Risk of Losing Benefits': Analysis (Common Dreams, 1-7-25)

Medicaid Per Capita Cap Would Harm Millions of People by Forcing Deep Cuts and Shifting Costs to States (Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 1-7-25)

Total Medicaid Cuts From a Per Capita Cap Would Grow Over Time (Center on Budget and Policy Priorities)