Proposed Cuts to Medicaid Could Devastate Latino Families

NCLR and Families USA Partner to Release Report Spotlighting Disparities, Announce "Call-in Day" to Build Partnerships to Head off Cuts

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Looming budget cuts to Medicaid could leave millions of low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities without access to critical health coverage and care. A report released jointly today by the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) and Families USA reveals that cuts to Medicaid would have a disproportionately harmful effect on Latino families.

The report, "The Meaning of Medicaid: A State-by-State Breakdown," provides an in-depth look at the number of Latinos covered by Medicaid nationally and in each state. The report shows that Medicaid provides essential coverage to millions of low-income working Latino families who might otherwise go uninsured and have difficulty getting affordable health care.

“Private health coverage, obtained through the workplace or purchased directly from an insurance company, is often unattainable for Latino families, and the problem has only deepened as the nation struggles with an economic recession,” Ron Pollack, Executive Director of Families USA, said today. “Cutting Medicaid does much more than changing bottom lines in budget debates—it also cuts the health lifeline for millions of Americans who need it the most.”

The report also highlights the especially high rates of Hispanic children and seniors who rely on this program for insurance. Nationally, half of all Hispanic children rely on Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for coverage.  

NCLR and Families USA announced today they are organizing a national “call-in day” aimed at bringing together a coalition of allied partners to oppose cuts to Medicaid funding. Set for Wednesday, July 20, 2011, the event will focus on educating members of Congress and Latino communities about the devastating impact that losing this vital source of health care would have on those communities across the country. 

"Medicaid plays a key role in protecting Latino families from uninsurance in every state in the union," said Eric Rodriguez, Vice President, Office of Research, Advocacy, and Legislation at NCLR. "Latinos are an important part of our country's future and will carry the legacy that comes with our runaway debt. But to cut the very programs that keep our most vulnerable healthy is shortsighted. Our nation will feel the effects of severe Medicaid cuts for generations to come."
 
NCLR and Families USA are committed to protecting the Medicaid program for Latinos and for all Americans who rely on this coverage and plan to continue to work toward building an agenda for strong health reform implementation.

###

Families USA is the national organization for health care consumers. It is nonprofit and nonpartisan and advocates for high-quality, affordable health care for all Americans.

1201 New York Avenue NW, Suite 1100 · Washington, DC 20005
202-628-3030 · Email: info@familiesusa.org · www.familiesusa.org