Rep. Jeffries warns Americans will be ‘devastated’ over ‘largest Medicaid cut’

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued a stark warning on Friday, expressing his concerns about the devastating impact that House Republicans’ budget resolution will have on vulnerable populations in America. Jeffries emphasized that children, families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities will bear the brunt of the largest Medicaid cut in American history.

In a passionate speech, the New York Democrat highlighted the potential consequences of the Republican budget resolution. He painted a grim picture of how children in New York City and beyond, families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities will be left reeling from the fallout. Jeffries also raised alarms about the potential closure of hospitals in New York state, rural America, and across the country, as well as the shutdown of nursing homes.

Jeffries pointed out that every single House Democrat from New York City, New York State, and beyond vehemently opposes the reckless Republican budget. He vowed to continue fighting against any measures that threaten the health care of the American people, as well as nutritional assistance for children and families.

The Republicans in Congress are currently grappling with an $880 billion budget shortfall needed to extend President Donald Trump’s tax cuts. To bridge this gap, they are considering altering the funding structure of Medicaid. One proposal being floated is to prevent states from taxing insurers and healthcare providers as a means to raise the necessary funds. This shift could leave states with a $612 billion deficit over the next decade.

GOP leaders argue that states have been inflating Medicaid costs by channeling the taxes back to the sources through higher payment rates. Brian Blase of the Paragon Health Institute highlighted the need to address this issue, stating that states and providers are manipulating the system to benefit from federal dollars without incurring state costs.

However, the American Hospital Association has pushed back against these proposed changes, warning of the negative repercussions on Medicaid beneficiaries and the broader healthcare system. The association urged Congress to reject restrictions on states’ use of provider taxes, as such measures could lead to significant cuts in Medicaid programs, including reduced eligibility, benefits, and payment rates for providers.

As the debate over Medicaid funding intensifies in Congress, it is clear that the stakes are high for millions of Americans who rely on this crucial healthcare program. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and his Democratic colleagues are determined to protect the most vulnerable members of society from the harmful effects of the Republican budget resolution. It remains to be seen how this contentious issue will be resolved and what the ultimate impact will be on Medicaid recipients across the country.