1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

Congress' proposed budget cuts would devastate Medicaid, a vital program that provides comprehensive and affordable health coverage to over 80 million Americans with low incomes, including children, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and seniors. Slashing Medicaid spending would force states to cut eligibility, reduce benefits, or both – leaving millions without access to essential health services. Over 12 million people rely on both Medicare and Medicaid to afford their care and stay healthy. Medicaid covers crucial services that Medicare does not, like long-term care, which allows seniors and people with disabilities to live independently in their homes and communities. Cutting Medicaid would jeopardize this home and community-based care, likely forcing many into costly institutional settings against their wishes. Furthermore, Medicaid improves health outcomes and reduces costs for the entire Medicare program by managing chronic conditions, providing preventive care, and enabling access to prescription drugs. Cutting Medicaid undermines the Medicare program and increases overall healthcare spending. Multiple nonpartisan analyses, including focus groups, show widespread public support for Medicaid across the political spectrum. Medicaid enrollees value their coverage deeply, need it to access care and support work, and fear the devastating consequences of losing it. Gutting this program would increase suffering and undermine economic stability for families nationwide. Health care should be a right, not a privilege reserved for the wealthy. Cutting Medicaid will do immense harm. Congress must protect and strengthen this vital safety net, not slash it.