Children’s Hospital Association Opposes Cuts to Medicaid, Urges Congress to Protect Patient Care

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Children’s Hospital Association (CHA) released a statement today urging House members to vote “no” on the budget resolution, which would likely have a major impact on the Medicaid program. Substantial cuts would have a devastating impact on the 37 million children who rely on the Medicaid program. It is vital to ensure our nation’s children are healthy and able to thrive into adulthood. CHA’s President and CEO Matthew Cook released the following statement:

“The House budget resolution’s directive to the Energy and Commerce Committee to cut $880 billion in spending will almost certainly lead to deep reductions in Medicaid funding for children who rely on the program and destabilize the financial viability of providers caring for them.”

“Slashing funding would mean fewer health care providers, fewer services, and longer wait times for patients who already face significant barriers to care. These cuts will impact the 37 million children on the Medicaid program, including nearly 50 percent of children with special health care needs, 3 million children in military-connected families, and more than 40 percent of children living in rural areas and small towns. Patients in rural communities would be hit especially hard, as hospitals and clinics in these areas rely heavily on Medicaid funding to stay open.”

“We urge Congress to prevent these harmful cuts to ensure all Medicaid enrollees can get the care they need, when they need it. Now is the time to strengthen access to care, not put it at risk.”