Among the many recent proposals in Washington is a movement to significantly decrease federal funding for Medicaid, which would be required if the recently proposed budget cuts are enacted. This would be a shortsighted move that would send a cascade of negative effects through our society.
Medicaid enrollees are our friends and relatives. Over 72 million Americans are enrolled in Medicaid. Medicaid covers almost 40% of children, pays for 35% of births in Pennsylvania and covers most nursing home residents. Over a third of Medicaid enrollees are children, but they account for only a little over 10% of spending since as those of us in pediatric health care know, children’s health care tends to be much less expensive than that of adults.
Taking Medicaid coverage away from large numbers of kids would have tragic effects on their health but would “save” a relatively small amount of money for the government.
Medicaid cuts could have disastrous effects on nursing homes, hospitals and doctors’ offices. If the federal government slashes Medicaid funding, it could force states to choose to either drastically cut Medicaid services or enrollment or to try to fund Medicaid by cutting other essential services like education.
Many of us believe that there is certainly wasteful government spending that takes place in America. Trying to remedy that by drastically cutting Medicaid funding would be misguided and likely have disastrous effects on society’s health and stability.
Dr. Thomas J. Maroon
Greensburg