1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

The proposed cuts of up to $2.3 trillion to Medicaid over the next decade would be catastrophic for millions of low-income Americans who rely on the program for healthcare coverage. These unprecedented cuts would force states to eliminate important benefits like dental and vision care, further reduce already low reimbursement rates for providers which restricts access to care, and likely cause most states to reverse their Medicaid expansion which gave coverage to millions more people. Reversing the expansion alone would cause millions to lose their health insurance and access to vital services. I personally know people who would see a massive decrease in their quality of life if these cuts are made. From lack of mental health care options already to having to choose between food or medical care to self-diagnosing and treating because of a lack of access to providers that take Medicaid, people desperately need what little coverage they have right now. These cuts could cost people their lives. What is the life of one American worth in this country? While cost savings are desirable, dismantling Medicaid is not the solution - it will only increase uncompensated care costs, undermine health equity efforts, exacerbate healthcare access issues, especially in rural areas, and ultimately lead to worse health outcomes for our most vulnerable populations. There are better ways to reduce costs, such as expanding value-based care models, increasing home and community-based services, and improving access to primary care to reduce overutilization of costly emergency care. Slashing Medicaid is an unacceptable approach that will harm both beneficiaries and providers. Reasonable economies can be achieved through smarter policies without gutting this essential program.