Devastating Medicaid cuts revealed

On Mother’s Day, in the dead of night, the House of Representatives’ Commerce & Energy Committee released a plan that threatens to impose historic and harmful cuts to Medicaid. After waiting since January for details, we now see the full scope of these proposed reductions — and they are cruel and unacceptable.

The House has already begun “markup” — the review and amendment process — on this bill. The goal is to pass it next week before Memorial Day and send it to the Senate, where they hope to vote on it by July 4th. We must raise our voices now to oppose these harmful and cruel cuts. 

If you want to call instead, this link below will direct you to call the Hands Off Medicaid Hotline (866-426-2631) and ask you to enter your zip code before directing you to your representative. When you leave your message, tell them that you oppose cutting Medicaid. If you benefit from Medicaid, you can also share how it would personally impact you.

Staggering Impact of the Bill:
The Congressional Budget Office projects that this bill will slash $912 billion over the next decade, with $715 billion coming directly from Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act— more than the initial target of $880 billion. These cuts will cause approximately 8.6 million people to lose their health coverage.

Who Will Be Hurt:
People with disabilities, seniors in nursing homes, and vulnerable populations will bear the brunt of these cuts. The proposed measures make it harder to maintain Medicaid coverage by adding complex administrative requirements. This means individuals who lack the time, ability, or resources to navigate paperwork will be kicked off the rolls, creating false “savings” that only lead to more illness, disability, and hardship.

How Are These Cuts Coming?
The plan increases bureaucratic hurdles that strain state budgets already under pressure from rising Medicaid costs. Washington State would be forced to divert funds to costly new infrastructure and staffing to enforce these rules. As a result, essential but “optional” services — including personal care, dental, pharmacy, therapies, and medical equipment — are at risk of significant reductions, especially for those relying on Home and Community-Based Services.

A Troubling Echo of History:
Past recessions show that Medicaid cuts lead to reduced support for older adults and people with disabilities, often resulting in worse health outcomes and increased institutionalization. For more on this history, see: What happened during the Great Recession.

What Can You Do?

• Speak Up: Contact your Congressional representatives TODAY. Urge them to “Stop the Cuts to Medicaid!” Explain that these reductions threaten the health, independence, and dignity of millions in our communities.
• Get Involved: Join us on Wednesday,May 21st at 7 PM for our Medicaid Webinar, where we’ll provide updates and actionable steps to protect Medicaid for those who need it most. Register Here

Together, we can stand against these unjust cuts. Protect Medicaid. Preserve vital services for individuals with disabilities.

– Cathy Murahashi, Public Policy Specialist, The Arc of Washington State