Bill cuts healthcare for nearly 17 million people.
Bill Cuts Medicaid by nearly 1 trillion, approximately 20% of the federal Medicaid budget.
Bill cuts nearly $200 billion to food assistance from SNAP
Today the U.S. Senate passed the largest cuts to Medicaid and SNAP in the history of the United States. These cuts will have a devastating impact on Iowans with disabilities, children, seniors, and all Iowans that access their healthcare and food through these programs.
- Iowa Medicaid covers 702,000 children and adults; approximately 20% of all Iowans rely on Medicaid for essential healthcare services.
- Over 300,000 Iowa children (44% of all children in Iowa) rely on Medicaid for their essential healthcare services.
- 104,000 seniors and Iowans with disabilities receive coverage through Medicaid.
- Medicaid is the primary source of payment for 50% of all nursing home residents in Iowa.
The Senate bill will cut Federal spending on Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act Marketplace by more than $1.3 trillion- with more than 1 trillion of these cuts coming solely from Medicaid. Approximately 17 million people will lose health care, according to an initial estimate by the U.S. Congressional Budget Office. It is anticipated that these numbers will increase once a more detailed analysis of the amended bill has been completed.
The bill also cuts $300 billion in food assistance, taking food away from an estimated 15 million people. In Iowa, 35 % of SNAP households include an older adult or a person with a disability. More than 50% of SNAP households are working families.
Iowa will lose $904 million per year in federal funding; at least 96,000 Iowans will lose their health insurance coverage, and Iowa’s uninsured rate will increase by at least 75%. Federal funding cuts will make it harder for Iowa to fund; births for Iowa mothers, nursing home care, hospital services at 112 hospitals and many other essential healthcare services. The loss of federal dollars will shift the cost of providing essential healthcare to Iowa.
The bill now goes back to the House, where Congressional leaders are trying to finalize the bill in advance of July 4th, President Trump’s goal date for a final bill. While Congressional leaders work to pass the bill, there is still time for all Americans to share their opinions on these proposed cuts with Congress. The House will now try to move quickly to pass this legislation. Disability Rights Iowa and Iowa’s DD Council urges all advocates, partners, and concerned individuals to take immediate action.
Tell lawmakers to protect Medicaid.
Call Congress now: 8664262631.
Email Congress now: https://secure.everyaction.com/tZYmQsJTmUCSKoq1lpI8jg2
To learn more about Disability Rights Iowa and Iowa’s Developmental Disability Council visit https://www.disabilityrightsiowa.org and https://www.iowaddcouncil.org/.
