Senator Gallego Addresses Potential Medicaid Cuts Amidst GOP Budget Plans
In a bid to address looming budget cuts that pose a threat to Medicaid, U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego convened with healthcare leaders in Phoenix on Saturday. The discussions focused on the significant reductions proposed by Republicans, which could severely impact Medicaid services.
The budget resolution, orchestrated by House Republicans, mandates the House Committee on Energy and Commerce to slash at least $880 billion over the next ten years. Such substantial cuts necessitate reductions in either Medicaid or Medicare. However, given the political climate, Medicare cuts are unlikely, placing Medicaid at heightened risk.
Senator Gallego emphasized the dire consequences of these potential cuts, stating, “This is on the chopping blocks. And if Medicaid is cut, hospitals will close, people will lose coverage at the end of the day, not just the Medicaid population because we saw this when we expanded Medicaid, but everyone gets affected up and up and down the line.”
Jessica Yanow, CEO of the Arizona Alliance for Community Health Centers, echoed these concerns. She noted, “What I took away today was that cuts to Medicaid, not just for health centers that we represent, but for all of the health care system would have a significant impact, not just on our ability to operate, but on the ability of people in Arizona to receive care.”
Gallego highlighted that rural communities in Arizona would be particularly vulnerable to these cuts. He also criticized former President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, suggesting that their support for budget reductions aligns with interests that favor their affluent peers.
In response to these challenges, Gallego and his supporters plan to organize town hall meetings across Arizona. These efforts aim to mobilize public support and safeguard Medicaid from the proposed budgetary reductions.
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