Re: “Republicans consider cuts to Medicaid, jeopardizing coverage for enrollees” (February 19, Nation & World):
The proposed cuts to Medicaid being thought of in Congress would have devastating penalties for working people and households in Washington state and throughout the nation. Work necessities tackle a nonexistent drawback — greater than 90% of Medicaid enrollees are employed, college students or caregivers. As a substitute, they create an administrative burden for enrollees that causes individuals to lose protection — not as a result of they don’t qualify, however as a result of they didn’t submit a type on time. Medicaid is a lifeline for working individuals and households, a pathway to alternative and job safety, and a program that strengthens native economies.
Such cuts may have ripple results with impacts far past the well being and well-being of those that depend on Medicaid protection. It would fray our well being care security web, depleting assets from neighborhood well being facilities and diverting sufferers to emergency rooms for care. This can have an effect on city and rural communities in pink and blue districts.
Washington’s congressional delegation was voted into Congress to legislate on behalf of the individuals they characterize. To actually accomplish that, all of our Congressional members should oppose these cuts and get up for this important well being protection.
Demetria Malloy, MD, chief medical officer/chief well being officer, Neighborhood Well being Plan of Washington, Seattle
