As the nation braces for potential changes in healthcare policy, Congressman Greg Stanton voices concerns about the prospective reductions in healthcare funding. Speaking to healthcare professionals in Phoenix, Stanton emphasized the challenges that could arise with the new administration.
Potential Policy Shifts
During a discussion at Valleywise Health Medical Center, Stanton expressed apprehension about the upcoming Trump administration and a Congress led by Republicans possibly initiating major cuts to the healthcare safety net. “It is going to be a battle,” he remarked, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding President-elect Donald Trump’s healthcare plans.
Some Republican lawmakers have already indicated a willingness to decrease Medicaid budgets and subsidies associated with the Affordable Care Act’s marketplace health plans. For more information, visit this link.
Stanton’s Perspective
Stanton, aligning with Democratic views, argues that such financial cuts might not lead to actual savings for the federal government. He stated, “The long-term impact on human health and quality of life and on the cost of care — there’s no doubt that if you don’t provide that preventative care that the long-term costs are much, much greater.”
In Arizona, a state that chose to broaden Medicaid coverage following the Affordable Care Act’s passage, many low-income and disabled residents benefited from this expansion. Stanton warned that these individuals could face significant healthcare access issues if the program’s funding diminishes.
Industry Concerns
Healthcare leaders at the roundtable expressed their worries about the ramifications of potential funding cuts. They noted that such reductions could hinder their ability to serve patients adequately and maintain financial viability. Steve Purves, president and CEO of Valleywise Health, emphasized, “I will tell you, as far as the public safety net hospitals that rely on that — devastating.”
—
Read More Arizona News
