West Virginia health care advocates are warning that proposals to cut federal funding for Medicaid could have devastating consequences for the state. The proposals, which include cutting the federal Medicaid budget by $2.3 trillion and implementing changes such as making Medicaid a block grant program and imposing work requirements, would leave tens of thousands of West Virginians uninsured and create a massive budget deficit for the state.
Ellen Allen, executive director of West Virginians for Affordable Health Care, highlighted the importance of Medicaid in funding rural hospitals and ensuring access to care for patients. She warned that if Congress cuts Medicaid funding, more rural hospitals in the state would be forced to close, exacerbating the state’s maternal and infant health care crisis.
Kaylen Payne, a health policy analyst for Planned Parenthood, emphasized that Medicaid cuts would worsen West Virginia’s poor outcomes in maternal and infant health care, with minority communities disproportionately impacted. Given that West Virginia already ranks last in the nation for preterm births, the potential cuts to Medicaid funding could have catastrophic effects on maternal and infant mortality rates.
Lynette Maselli, state director of Protect Our Care, described Medicaid as a “lifeline” that has kept people employed, rural hospitals open, and boosted state budgets. She criticized Republican efforts to target Medicaid for cuts in order to fund tax breaks for millionaires, warning that millions of Americans could lose critical health care coverage if the GOP’s proposals are implemented.
The advocates are urging policymakers to prioritize funding for Medicaid to ensure that West Virginians have access to essential health care services.
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