1. United States
2. Wisc.
3. Letter

The proposed cuts to Medicaid funding in the House Republican budget plan are deeply concerning and could have devastating consequences for millions of Americans who rely on this vital program for their healthcare coverage. Slashing the federal government's share of Medicaid spending, particularly for the expansion population under the Affordable Care Act, would force states to make untenable choices – either shoulder massive additional costs to maintain coverage, cut eligibility and benefits, or divert funds from other essential services. This assault on Medicaid is reckless and misguided. Gutting the ACA's Medicaid expansion could strip coverage from over 21 million low-income adults who gained access to affordable healthcare. Furthermore, around 10 states have laws triggering the complete reversal of expansion if federal funding is reduced, abruptly terminating coverage for millions more. Medicaid provides a crucial safety net, and undermining it will inevitably lead to poorer health outcomes, higher uninsured rates, and increased burdens on state budgets. The purported justification of offsetting the cost of extending the 2017 tax cuts is deeply flawed reasoning. Tax cuts that disproportionately benefited corporations and the wealthy should not be paid for by jeopardizing healthcare access for our most vulnerable citizens. This tradeoff is unconscionable and contradicts principles of justice and human dignity. I implore you to reject this fiscally and morally bankrupt approach. Defend Medicaid against these draconian cuts. Prioritize the health and wellbeing of your constituents over regressive tax policies that exacerbate inequality. A strong, fully-funded Medicaid program is vital for ensuring all Americans can access quality, affordable healthcare – a principle that must be upheld.