A group of 12 Republican members of Congress penned an April 14 letter to House leadership (PDF) expressing their support for the Medicaid program and warning that they will “not support a final reconciliation bill that includes any reduction in Medicaid coverage for vulnerable populations.” The letter — signed by Reps. David Valadao (R-Calif.), Don Bacon (R-Neb.), Jefferson Van Drew (R-N.J.), Rob Bresnahan (R-Pa.), Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.), Jen Kiggans (R-Va.), Young Kim (R-Calif.), Rob Wittman (R-Va.), Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.), Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.), Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.), and Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.) — outlined the negative impacts of cuts to Medicaid for both patients and providers, emphasizing “balancing the federal budget must not come at the expense of those who depend on these benefits.” The letter further articulates the members’ desire to work with leadership on “targeted reforms” to improve program integrity and modernize delivery systems.
The AAMC previously sent a letter to congressional leadership and issued a statement expressing serious concerns with contemplated cuts to Medicaid as part of the reconciliation process [refer to Washington Highlights, Feb. 21 ; April 11].