GOP cuts to Medicaid will harm America’s health
“Congress is considering proposals that could change Medicaid financing and eligibility.
“Some of these proposed changes could cause millions of people to lose access to care under Medicaid. People without coverage often skip necessary care, leading to worse health outcomes. For people in poor health, the results can be dangerous.
“Cuts will put a greater burden on emergency rooms and community health providers.
“Each additional uninsured person results in $900 in uncompensated health care costs. Hospitals absorb most of these costs. Ultimately, this means fewer services, higher prices, and reduced investments in their local community.
“Federal cuts to Medicaid funding could also have a ripple effect in many states that have “trigger laws” that automatically reduce Medicaid care and coverage if federal matching funds are cut.”
Medicaid cuts hurt citizens in red states. In particular, the cuts that result in rural hospital closures will fall on rural voters who historically skew Republican. If I were a partisan Democrat, I would cheer these cynical cuts to the most vulnerable, since it will result in huge losses for the GOP in the midterms. But that would be cynical.
Medicaid cuts harm America’s health
“Some of these proposed changes could cause millions of people to lose access to care under Medicaid. People without coverage often skip necessary care, leading to worse health outcomes. For people in poor health, the results can be dangerous.
“Cuts will put a greater burden on emergency rooms and community health providers.
“Each additional uninsured person results in $900 in uncompensated health care costs. Hospitals absorb most of these costs. Ultimately, this means fewer services, higher prices, and reduced investments in their local community.
“Federal cuts to Medicaid funding could also have a ripple effect in many states that have “trigger laws” that automatically reduce Medicaid care and coverage if federal matching funds are cut.”
Medicaid cuts hurt citizens in red states. In particular, the cuts that result in rural hospital closures will fall on rural voters who historically skew Republican. If I were a partisan Democrat, I would cheer these cynical cuts to the most vulnerable, since it will result in huge losses for the GOP in the midterms. But that would be cynical.
Medicaid cuts harm America’s health
Joel:
In other words, whacking people who can not afford commercial healthcare will not solve the issue. Indeed turning them to the street worsens the issue and they will still seek out care at clinics and hospitals. The care will come at a much higher cost and the insured will pay for their care.
Medicaid comes at a lower price to the country. It also gets people into a level of care which in the end cuts costs. For example, inoculations to prevent the flu or covid. By doing so they can continue to work rather than be home sick or having to care for children because they are sick.
It is perverse, the manner of justifying the elimination of healthcare programs meant to care for the low-income population,
@Bill,
Clearly, the Trump/Musk Administration has no interest in the low-income population. They don’t make the million dollar donations.
As we know, the Republicans are still working hard to prove that not spending today will save them money tomorrow and thus be richer for it.
It may be cynical but it may be the only way to penetrate the brain of the low information voter.
Mark:
It may be such. I believe in “told-you-so’s.”
you seem to have a lot to complain about but you offer no solutions. A bankruptcy to the us or hyperinflation will destroy every citizen , what is it you propose to do about that.
@Mark,
Raising taxes is part of the answer. Particularly taxes on the wealthy. A top marginal tax rate of ca. 75% would be a good idea. Also, cut military spending by ca 30%. There are a couple of solutions.
Bankruptcy is not a good idea, but the GOP insists on flirting with default every time they have to vote on raising the debt ceiling. Not a solution. The US is in no danger of hyperinflation. Japan has a debt/GDP ratio twice that of the US and Japan doesn’t have hyperinflation. But if inflation is your concern, look no further that the Trump tariffs and Trumps threat of massive deportation.
Hope that helps.