Defend Medicaid: Protect Healthcare for Millions of Americans

I am writing to urge you to take a stand in protecting Medicaid, a lifeline for millions of Americans, including children, seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income families. As discussions on budget cuts and healthcare funding continue, I ask that you oppose any reductions to Medicaid and instead advocate for its expansion to ensure that every American has access to necessary healthcare services. Medicaid currently covers over 87 million Americans (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 2023), providing essential services such as preventive care, hospital visits, long-term care, and prescription medications. Any cuts to Medicaid would disproportionately impact the most vulnerable populations, including low-income working families, rural communities, and people with disabilities. The Economic Case for Protecting Medicaid Medicaid is not just a healthcare program—it is an economic stabilizer. Research from the Kaiser Family Foundation shows that Medicaid expansion has led to lower rates of uncompensated hospital care, reducing financial burdens on both hospitals and taxpayers. Additionally, Medicaid supports over 17 million jobs in the healthcare sector and contributes to local economies (American Hospital Association, 2023). Medicaid Supports Working Families Contrary to misconceptions, over 60% of non-elderly adults on Medicaid are working (KFF, 2023). Many of these individuals are employed in industries such as retail, food service, and home healthcare—sectors that often do not provide employer-sponsored insurance. Without Medicaid, these working Americans would struggle to afford basic healthcare, leading to increased emergency room visits and higher costs for the healthcare system. Protecting Medicaid Saves Lives Studies have shown that Medicaid expansion is linked to lower mortality rates and better health outcomes. The National Bureau of Economic Research found that states that expanded Medicaid saw a 9.3% decline in mortality rates among low-income adults. This program is not just a budget line item—it is a matter of life and death for many Americans. I urge you to oppose any efforts to cut Medicaid funding or restrict eligibility. Instead, I ask that you work toward strengthening and expanding Medicaid to ensure that no American is forced to choose between healthcare and basic necessities. Thank you for your time and your commitment to serving our district. I look forward to your response on how you plan to protect this essential program.