Medicaid is a lifeline for health coverage and a foundational source of economic and health security for 80 million Americans. Yet, Congressional Republicans plan to make massive cuts to Medicaid to pay for tax cuts and border security measures. This would change access to health coverage in our country as we know it, jeopardizing children and caregivers in families with low incomes, who rely on this program for their health needs.
Nearly all children and youth in foster care are eligible for state Medicaid programs through categorical eligibility pathways under Title IV-E, Medicaid eligibility based on household income, or expanded Medicaid eligibility for former foster care youth up to age 26. Children and youth in care are twice as likely to have complex health conditions, with 80 percent experiencing serious behavioral health needs; Medicaid is absolutely vital to ensuring that these healthcare needs are met.
Medicaid cuts would:
- take health care coverage away from millions of people, including children and caregivers, and those living with a disability and chronic illness.
- increase health care costs for everyone and create medical debt for millions
- and destabilize hospitals and health care system that we all rely on, especially in rural communities
Congress needs to hear from YOU! Email your Senators and Representative today to protect critical Medicaid funding for children and families.