Minnesotans who live and thrive because of Medicaid share how they could be hurt
Minnesotans who benefit from the support and care provided by Medicaid would bear much of burden of the damaging cuts proposed in the latest U.S. Senate attempt to "repeal and replace" the Affordable Care Act.
"The latest Republican proposal to repeal the Affordable Care Act would have devastating consequences for Minnesota children, seniors, nursing homes, and people with disabilities," said Governor Mark Dayton. "One out of every three children in Minnesota rely on Medicaid to access basic health care. In fact, 42 percent of Medicaid recipients in Minnesota are kids.
"Over 16 percent of Minnesota's Medicaid recipients are seniors and people with disabilities -accounting for 60 percent of all of the program's costs in our state. I urge Congress to abandon this proposal, and instead focus on making health care more affordable and accessible for all Americans."
"The Republican proposal to repeal the Affordable Care Act would have devastating consequences for Minnesota families, children, senior citizens, and people with disabilities," said Lt. Governor Tina Smith. "I urge Republicans in Congress to slow down, consider the consequences of their proposals, and engage in a bipartisan effort to find a solution that will work for all Americans."
The Graham-Cassidy Amendment is the last chance this year to make good on Republicans' election year promise to repeal the ACA and is expected to be brought to the floor for a vote later this week.
More than 155 Minnesota organizations signed a letter to Minnesota's Congressional Delegation opposing this latest attempt to slash Medicaid support for the nearly 1 million Minnesotans who live and thrive because of the support they receive from Medical Assistance.
Heather Tidd is a Minnesota mom with two children who required extensive surgeries and supports since each was two years old. Although she and her husband carry full health insurance, their children reached their "life-time limits" before they were five years old. "Just like that, in a totally normal life, you go from getting along to deciding between life-saving surgery for your child and paying for food and a place to live," Tidd said.
Minnesota's Medical Assistance (Medicaid) has been essential for covering extensive physical and occupational therapy and other supports so Tidd's family can thrive in as stable a way as possible. "We don't know how we will afford the therapies our primary insurance doesn't cover," Tidd said, "or how we will keep our younger two kids at home without the supports that are provided. That being said, we're the lucky ones."
The Minnesota Department of Human Services estimates the state would face a $1.9 billion cut in federal health care funding in the first three years, and a $37 billion cut by 2030. The bill also would penalize Minnesota and other states that have expanded health care coverage to more people through the Affordable Care Act. After 2026, Graham-Cassidy eliminates all funding for the ACA's Medicaid expansion and subsidies for people who are buying insurance in the individual market.
The proposal would, among other things, lead to large funding cuts to Medicaid and reduce federal assistance for people on our Basic Health Program and purchasing coverage on the individual market by changing their federal funding mechanisms; eliminate protections for people with pre-existing conditions by allowing states to waive consumer protections established by the ACA; and cause millions of people to lose their health insurance.
Medicaid in Minnesota:
Medical Assistance, Minnesota's Medicaid program, provides vital health coverage to a million Minnesotans.
One out of every three children in Minnesota is covered by Medicaid, and for many adults, it is often the only route to affordable coverage. That's especially true for older adults, people with disabilities, workers in very-low-wage jobs with no benefits, and people experiencing mental illnesses. Through Medicaid, Minnesotans have access to health coverage and care, including doctor's visits and nursing home care, and community services in their homes like meals on wheels, personal care assistance and more to maintain their independence.
President Donald J. Trump's budget and the American Health Care Act (AHCA) passed by the U.S. House of Representatives both proposed historic cuts to the Medicaid funding that pays for drug rehabilitation, preventative care, hearing aids, assisted living services, and other services provided through MA. Minnesota alone would see cuts of about $1.9 billion in the first three years these cuts would only grow larger over time.
