1. United States
2. Idaho
3. Letter

The proposed budget bill poses a grave threat to the well-being of millions of Americans by slashing Medicaid funding by over $1 trillion. According to the Congressional Budget Office, this draconian cut will strip health coverage from nearly 12 million individuals. Reduced access to medical care will undoubtedly result in poorer health outcomes, with analyses projecting thousands of preventable deaths annually. Moreover, the costs of uncompensated care will be passed on to those with insurance, increasing premiums for everyone. While proponents argue tax cuts will provide relief, the benefits are skewed towards higher income brackets. For the majority, any nominal tax savings will be quickly offset by rising healthcare costs. Hospitals have cautioned that the funding provisions are woefully inadequate to mitigate the disastrous impact on their operations and the populations they serve. This legislation represents an unconscionable attack on a program that has served as a critical safety net for vulnerable Americans during economic hardship. Its consequences will reverberate through every segment of the healthcare system, compounding existing challenges. I urge you to reject this destructive bill and prioritize policies that strengthen rather than undermine access to affordable, quality care for all.