Protecting Medicaid Now and into the Future
The upcoming election in November will have a significant effect on health care across the country. Candidates at the federal and states levels may propose policy proposals that could have a profound impact on health law and policies in 2025. In this new blog, the experts at NHeLP analyze and discuss the impact of various policies on access to care for low-income people and people with disabilities. They will also examine how these policies could negatively or positively impact the lives of people who are pregnant, LGBTQI+, Black, Indigenous and people of colour, as well as people living at the intersections of these identities. Follow NHeLP as we explore the opportunities and threats facing health care in the United States. Despite saying they would replace ACA, they have never come up with a concrete plan or even concepts for what would replace it. Project 2025 includes not only repealing the ACA (p. 469) but also allowing states to drastically restructure Medicaid into a block grant or per capita cap (p. 466). Project 2025 includes not just repealing the ACA, but also allowing states to drastically restructure Medicaid to a block grant system or per capita cap. (p. 466). We will continue doing so, regardless of what the results of November’s election are. Why do we spend so many resources, time and energy to protect and preserve Medicaid? Medicaid helps people lead healthier and more financially secure lives. It improves the early diagnosis and treatment of chronic diseases, increases educational achievement and future earnings, reduces inequities in health care, and provides comprehensive and high-quality care at a cost-effective price. Medicaid coverage is tailored for low-income individuals and families, but costs less per beneficiary compared to private insurance. Medicaid’s core protections for beneficiaries make it a good program for all enrolled groups, including children, parents and pregnant women, low-income workers and older adults. Detractors continue to try and cut or cap Medicaid funding despite its proven success and efficient usage of funds. Project 2025, as well as past Republican Congressional proposals that would repeal the ACA, seriously threaten the health and financial security for the more than 80,000,000 people who receive Medicaid and CHIP. We focused on the impact of funding caps on Medicaid. The “Medicaid Facts” document, along with the 14 factsheets, highlight the importance of Medicaid in ensuring the health and well-being of the enrolled and their communities as well as the states. This is regardless of election results or politics.
