ADA supports House Republicans speaking up for Medicaid

The ADA has joined the Partnership for Medicaid in commending 13 Republican members of Congress for their leadership in affirming the importance of protecting Medicaid.  

The Partnership for Medicaid — a nonpartisan coalition representing clinicians, health care providers, safety-net health plans, and counties — issued a statement April 22 applauding the members for their advocacy and expressing support for their continued efforts. 

Representing eight states, the members include David Valadao, R-Calif., Don Bacon, R-Neb., Jeff Van Drew, D.M.D., R-N.J., Rob Bresnahan Jr., R-Pa., Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., Jen Kiggans, R-Va., Young Kim, R-Calif., Robert Wittman, R-Va., Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y., Nick LaLota, R-N.Y., Andrew Garbarino, R-N.Y., Jeff Hurd, R-Colo., and Michael Lawler, R-N.Y. 

The representatives emphasized in an April 14 letter that many of them represent districts with high rates of constituents who depend on Medicaid, a program that “ensures our constituents have reliable healthcare.” They acknowledged the need for Medicaid reform, while emphasizing that balancing the federal budget should not come at the expense of the people dependent on the program’s benefits.   

They also said cuts to Medicaid threaten the viability of hospitals, nursing homes and safety-net providers across the country. Many hospitals that rely heavily on Medicaid funding are at risk of closure, which the letter stressed would affect all constituents, regardless of healthcare coverage.  

“To strengthen Medicaid, we urge you to prioritize care for our nation’s most vulnerable populations. Our constituents are asking for changes to the healthcare system that will strengthen the healthcare workforce, offer low-income, working-class families expanded opportunities to save for medical expenses, support rural and underserved communities, and help new mothers,” the representatives said.  

The partnership said it supports efforts to preserve and protect Medicaid adult dental benefits as the reconciliation process moves forward.