Proposed Congressional Medicaid Cuts in the

Committees in the Senate and House Are Scheduled to Recommend

Washington, D.C. - The Senate Finance Committee and the House Energy and Commerce Committee are scheduled to recommend cuts of $10 billion and $14.6 billion, respectively, to the Medicaid program by no later than September 16. Those proposed cuts are expected to become part of an omnibus reconciliation bill to be adopted by the Congress soon thereafter. The following is the statement of Ron Pollack, Executive Director of Families USA, about this expected development:

 "As the initial shock at Hurricane Katrina's devastation begins to subside, the nation must now undertake a massive effort to assist the thousands and thousands of people displaced by the storm.

"Meeting this need will place unprecedented strains on the social safety net, including Medicaid, which will be an essential source of health care for many displaced survivors. We must find additional resources so we can strengthen the Medicaid program and make sure it's ready to face the daunting challenges that lie ahead.

"Yet, unless Congress changes its priorities, Medicaid will be cut, not strengthened.

"At times like these, the American people expect their government to extend meaningful help to their fellow citizens in their moment of need. Cutting Medicaid, which serves impoverished elders who need long-term care, people with disabilities, and families with children—the very people most harmed by Katrina—is unconscionable.

"We, therefore, urge the Congress to renounce its proposed Medicaid cuts and, instead, to expand funding so Medicaid can effectively serve the people afflicted by the hurricane."

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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