NRHA Statement on Proposed Medicaid Cuts

NRHA CEO Alan Morgan released the following statement on Medicaid cuts proposed by Congress:

"The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) opposes any decreases in funding to the Medicaid program as part of a budget reconciliation package. The Medicaid program is a lifeline for rural hospitals, providers, and patients. Any cuts to the Medicaid program will disproportionately affect rural communities. Rural Americans rely on Medicaid coverage more so than their urban counterparts with about 20% of adults and 40% of children living in rural areas enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP.

Medicaid plays a significant role in sustaining the viability of rural healthcare systems, including hospitals, clinics, community health centers, and long-term care. A strong relationship exists between Medicaid coverage levels and the financial viability of rural hospitals, of which about half are currently operating on negative margins and cannot sustain further cuts. Reductions in Medicaid funding will force rural providers to reduce or eliminate essential services or close their doors, limiting access to care for rural residents."

For more information, please read NRHA's letter to congressional leadership and a fact sheet on the rural impact of Medicaid cuts. Contact Alexa McKinley Abel with any questions.