Republican lawmakers in Congress are eyeing potential cuts to Medicaid as a way to pay for tax cuts and other priorities of President Donald Trump.
GOP lawmakers expected to vote soon on slashing the insurance program for low-income people represent tens of millions reliant on it.
The House of Representatives is gearing up to vote on a budget bill, endorsed by President Trump, that would fulfill most of Trump’s legislative priorities. The bill includes tax breaks for the wealthy partially paid for by steep cuts to Medicaid and SNAP benefits.
Medicaid has been a hot topic in recent weeks, after GOP budget appeared to propose cuts to spending on programs like Medicaid.
For Representative David Valadao of California and other Republicans whose constituents depend on Medicaid, a vote for their party’s budget could be politically fatal. President Trump’s agenda hangs in the balance.
The House of Representatives is gearing up to vote on a budget bill, endorsed by President Trump, that would fulfill most of Trump’s legislative priorities. The bill includes tax breaks for the wealthy partially paid for by steep cuts to Medicaid and SNAP benefits.
Some Republicans have raised concerns about potential cuts to anti-poverty programs that their constituents rely on as they search for ways to pay for Trump’s legislative agenda.
Hours after pledging that the safety net program “isn’t going to be touched,” Trump surprised some of his own staff Wednesday when he endorsed a House budget that would gut Medicaid.
Arkansas and Georgia both imposed job requirements for Medicaid recipients. Advocates said the programs added red tape and administrative costs.
Jonathan Riviera had to get his foot, and part of his leg, amputated in January. Riviera lives in Florida—one of ten states which has declined federally backed Medicaid expansions through the Affordable Care Act, meant to patch state-level coverage gaps and allow more low-income people to qualify for care.
If Republicans cut Medicaid, it will push millions into the ranks of the uninsured, drive up healthcare costs and worsen access for everyone. There's a better option.