Following a twenty six hour and sometimes emotional hearing, the US House of Representatives, Energy and Commerce Committee passed language that will be included in the Budget Reconciliation Bill. It will be considered by the entire House of Representatives and possibly the US Senate in coming weeks. These budgetary reductions are necessary to offset the tax-cut extensions due to expire later this year which the Administration has insisted on continuing.
The approved language includes budget cuts from numerous agencies overseen by this particular committee, however the most controversial portion of the hearing centered on proposed changes to the Medicaid program. That language would institute work requirements for some recipients, punish states that provide coverage for undocumented individuals and eliminate any funding for gender affirming care. Work requirements would produce the biggest savings in the bill, accounting for nearly $301 billion over a decade.
The proposal would not slash federal reimbursement rates in most cases or impose per-capita caps on payments to states, but it would likely force states to revamp how they finance their programs or cut benefits. While reimbursement rates were not cut, the changes would result in between eight and thirteen million individuals becoming ineligible for Medicaid support according to the non-partisan congressional budget office. That obviously means that up to thirteen million people would no longer have access to the medical treatment Medicaid provides, including for substance use disorder.
At this point, it is uncertain that there are enough votes to pass the bill in the full House of Representatives and even less likely in the US Senate. The House Freedom Caucus has indicated the Medicaid changes don’t go far enough in their opinion and some say they are likely to vote no. Some moderate republicans have indicated the language goes too far, and they may vote no. As the Administration pressures the majority members however, we have seen them change positions. It is unlikely any minority members will vote in favor. Congressional rules provide that only a simple majority is necessary to pass budget reconciliations, despite the usual sixty vote threshold in the US Senate.
Access the healthcare portion of the bill
NAATP is pleased that reimbursement rates were not cut, however the restrictions included in this legislation would eliminate access to care for millions of Americans. YOUR voice can make a difference. If you care about preventing these changes, please call your Representatives and ask them to vote no on the budget reconciliation bill. You may call your member at 866-426-2631.
Protect Medicaid Call Script Template
This is the first step in a lengthy process. The bill now moves to the full House of Representatives and should it pass there, to the US Senate. Congressional leadership have indicated they plan to pass a reconciliation bill by Memorial Day in the House and Senate passage by July 4th. NAATP will continue to monitor and engage in this process to advocate for access to care for all Americans.