–Statement by Medicare Rights Center President Fred Riccardi–
New York, NY—House Republicans have now unveiled their proposals to slash Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA), effectively terminating health coverage for millions of Americans, including older adults and people with disabilities, caregivers, and other families.
Make no mistake, if passed these proposals will threaten access to vital care, make nursing homes less safe, put rural hospitals at risk, harm state budgets, and drive up the cost and burden of care for everyone. Medicaid cuts will slash funding for States, leading to Medicaid shortfalls and millions more without vital benefits or lacking coverage entirely.
By design, the proposals will create barriers to accessing and keeping Medicaid and ACA plans. This includes making it harder for people with Medicare to enroll in and maintain Medicaid and Medicare Savings Programs—coverage that they qualify for and depend on to afford and use their Medicare coverage.
At Medicare Rights, we urge Congress to abandon these short-sighted and unconscionable attempts to severely cut and undermine these programs. Instead, we must work together to improve access to health care.
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