1. United States
2. Va.
3. Letter

I am writing in opposition to House budget reconciliation legislation currently under consideration that will take away health coverage and leave at least 8.6 million people uninsured as it cuts at least $715 billion in health care spending, mostly from Medicaid, according to initial estimates by the Congressional Budget Office. This is the fourth largest source of federal funding for schools in this country, providing resources that directly impact students. Under section 44132 of the bill, as of the date of enactment, states would be prohibited from establishing any new provider taxes or increasing existing taxes (by increasing the tax rate or increasing the base of the tax). The federal government now pays 90 percent of the costs of covering Medicaid recipients who gained coverage through the expansion. Proposed legislation will penalize states that cover people who are undocumented with state-only funds by cutting their Medicaid expansion match rates from 90 to 80 percent. The reduction would begin October 1, 2027. Opposing Medicaid cuts in education is important because Medicaid provides crucial funding for school-based health services, particularly for students with disabilities and low-income families. These services, including therapy, medical equipment, and transportation, are often essential for students to access education. Additionally, Medicaid helps schools address the mental health crisis and prevent workforce shortages of school health providers. Medicaid often provides funding for essential services like therapy and medical equipment that are vital for students with disabilities to attend school and participate in learning. Cuts to Medicaid could result in these students losing access to these critical supports, impacting their ability to learn and succeed. Many students rely on school-based mental health services, and Medicaid helps schools provide these services, such as counseling and support for students struggling with anxiety or depression. Cuts could exacerbate the mental health crisis by reducing access to Medicaid funding also supports school-based healthcare programs, which provide preventive care and ongoing treatment for students with chronic illnesses like asthma and diabetes. This helps students stay healthy and attend school, leading to better academic outcomes, and Medicaid reimbursement helps schools cover the cost of personnel, such as school nurses and social workers, who provide essential services to students. Cuts to Medicaid would force schools to divert funds from other educational programs or raise taxes to make up the difference, potentially impacting the overall educational experience. This will have seismic effects for states that administer Medicaid, the providers they pay and the beneficiaries they serve. I urge you to oppose cuts to Medicaid, both in budget discussions and when you vote. Thank you.