NMA Statement on Medicaid Cuts
Physician Leaders Advise Against Budget Cuts to Government Aid
For Immediate Release:
Feb. 19, 2024
Statement attributable to:
125th President, National Medical Association
The Trump Administration has proposed significant cuts to several social safety net programs, including Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in its latest budget plan. Reducing financial support of these programs will have a devastating impact on millions of Americans. Additionally, this action further exacerbates health disparities, widening the gap between sick and health communities even more. Here is what to expect:
- Children whose families rely on SNAP benefits may be affected by severe hunger. This affects a child’s cognitive health and ability to maintain adequate nutrition. If the bill passes, the NMA recommends that families purchase groceries from food banks and low-cost grocery stores.
- The $1.9 trillion cut to these programs makes roughly 20 million people ineligible for Medicaid coverage. This impact is especially severe in communities that already lack access to quality care. As a result, hospitals and other health care providers may no longer accept Medicaid.
- Hispanic and Black patients are twice as likely to lose coverage, with Hispanic Americans comprising 30 percent of Medicaid enrollees and Black Americans accounting for 19 percent. Access to quality health care is tantamount for America’s future and security. Limiting access to care for anyone will make us vulnerable as a nation.
- Without Medicaid, patients will have to resort to emergency room care. Emergency rooms are more costly, placing a financial burden on both patients and health care systems. Emergency rooms that accept Medicaid will face overwhelming demand, which may impact physicians’ well-being and reduce care quality, amid the ongoing physician shortage.
- Flu cases have reached their highest levels since the 2009 swine flu epidemic. Loss of coverage will result in costly vaccinations as well as increased emergency room visits. Many patients who rely on Medicaid will not be able to afford preventative care, exacerbating the spread of influenza and other viral respiratory infections.
The National Medical Association (NMA) is comprised of physicians that care for all patients. We work for better health care outcomes for those patients and the health, safety and security of our own members. It is our duty to educate and advocate for better health care for all and we will continue to work towards this goal.
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About the National Medical Association:
The NMA is the nation’s oldest and largest organization representing Black physicians and health professionals in the U.S. and promotes the collective interests of physicians and patients of African descent. We serve as the voice of Black physicians and a leading voice for parity in medicine, elimination of health disparities, and promotion of optimal health. To learn more about the NMA, please visit https://www.nmanet.org/.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Sherelyn Weber
469-290-4495
