Action needed now to protect Medicaid

The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed a reconciliation package last month that includes more than $793 billion in reductions to the Medicaid program. Current estimates suggest that 10.9 million people will lose access to coverage, 7.6 million of whom would otherwise be on Medicaid. The bill is now under consideration in the Senate where even more harmful reductions are being considered. As Congress pursues an ambitious timeline for passage, it is critical that hospitals and caregivers raise our voices to preserve access to care.

Guided by our Mission and values, Providence believes that health is a human right.  We remain steadfast in our commitment to our communities and our patients.

Cuts to Medicaid threaten the sustainability of the health care system and the consequences of these cuts impact all patients in all communities, not just those that currently rely on Medicaid for coverage.  

•        Delays in care: Patients who lose their insurance will delay care. There is a potential that they will use the emergency room for care and possibly stay in the hospital for longer which raises the cost of care for everyone.

•     Access to care and longer wait times: An influx of sicker patients in emergency rooms and in hospital beds means the potential for longer wait times.

•     Reduced services: Medicaid cuts would have financial impacts to health systems, which creates the possibility of eliminating some services. This is especially true for rural hospitals who statistically serve a larger percentage of Medicaid patients.

Ensuring that we are able to care for all, especially the poor and vulnerable, requires advocating to protect the vital programs that ensure affordable access to care.

In April, Providence launched the Many Faces of Medicaid campaign to demonstrate the importance of Medicaid to our communities and to raise our voice in support of this vital program. Since then, our incredible patients and caregivers have sent over 5,400 messages to Congressional offices urging them to oppose cuts to Medicaid.

You can raise your voice to protect Medicaid by contacting your members of Congress through the Many Faces of Medicaid grassroots campaign. Those of you who have already taken this opportunity are able to send another message here. Participation is completely voluntary.

Your voice matters. You are making a difference.

Ali Santore

Chief communication and external affairs officer