How Medicaid Funding Cuts Threaten Community Health: What You Need to Know

As a social worker and educator with 36 years in this community, I’m worried about the proposed cuts to Medicaid in the federal budget. These cuts threaten the health of around 1.1 million people in Colorado, meaning that almost one in five of our residents depend on Health First Colorado for essential health services.

If these cuts go through, access to critical medical care could be at risk for vulnerable groups. This includes older adults in nursing homes, people with disabilities, and children. In fact, six out of ten residents in nursing facilities rely on Medicaid. It also plays a crucial role in providing home care, allowing many people with disabilities and seniors to live independently. Statistically, over 34% of children in Colorado are covered by Medicaid, underscoring its importance for families.

The impact goes beyond individuals. Rural hospitals in our state, already running on tight budgets, might close their doors, creating severe health and economic consequences for their communities. This issue hits home for us in La Plata County, where many locals rely on Medicaid for their healthcare.

In recent discussions, healthcare experts emphasize that cutting Medicaid funds could lead to increased hospital visits and costs down the road. A study by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that similar cuts in other states resulted in higher emergency room traffic and overall healthcare costs.

I urge our congressional representatives to maintain funding for Medicaid. Affordable healthcare is vital to our community’s health, and we need to stand firm in protecting these essential services.

Wanda Ellingson
Durango

Check out this related article: AI Therapy: A Breakthrough in Mental Health Stigma or a New Challenge?