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To the Editor:

On a nearly party-line vote, the U.S. House of Representatives narrowly approved (217-215) a sweeping budget resolution that is expected to lead to major cuts in the Medicaid program. All Democrats and just one Republican voted against the measure.

The House-passed budget resolution provides a framework or blueprint for eventual action by the congressional authorizing committees through a process known as budget reconciliation. The House has targeted at least $880 billion in savings from programs, including Medicaid, under the jurisdiction of the Energy and Commerce Committee. This task will almost certainly lead to significant reductions in Medicaid spending in order to pay for the extension of trillions of dollars in tax cuts for wealthy Americans championed by President Donald Trump.

To understand the implications of these likely reductions, it is helpful to first review what is Medicaid, how it differs from Medicare, and who is covered by this program. Medicaid is a state-federal program that provides health coverage for millions of people with low incomes and adults and children with disabilities. In contrast, Medicare generally covers those 65 or older. Medicaid also covers out-of-pocket costs for older Americans with low incomes, commonly referred to as “dual eligibles,” as they qualify for both programs. Medicaid, not Medicare, pays for nursing home care for the elderly and people with disabilities.

More than 72 million people were enrolled in Medicaid last year, according to estimates from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the federal agency that runs the program in conjunction with each state. Rural communities are expected to bear the brunt of the cuts currently under consideration by lawmakers in Washington. In the 3^rd Congressional District alone, of which Dare County is a part, over 170,477 people are covered under Medicaid and the related Children’s Health Insurance Program, according to data from the Center for American Progress (CAP). CAP projects a $2.13 billion funding loss in the district and a reduction in enrollment of 60,000 people should the expected cuts be enacted. In addition to placing low-income adults and children at risk, Medicaid cuts jeopardize the district’s hospitals, as the program is an important source of their funding. Nursing homes and community health centers would also be adversely affected.

What comes next? The House and Senate need to come to an agreement on a single version of the budget resolution to move forward with the budget reconciliation process.

If you share my concerns and the concerns of many citizens in our state and across the country, here is what you can do to take action against cuts to the Medicaid Program. Contact your congressional representatives ASAP and express your outrage. Already, many Republicans in Congress who are vulnerable to election challenges next year are voicing concerns about the cuts to their Republican leaders in the House and Senate. As such, it is important to speak out: your advocacy matters. Members of Congress’s phones are ringing off the hook on this and other issues, and while you might get a busy signal or a voicemail, keep trying to get through.

Calls are considered to be more effective than emails, but all communications from constituents are tabulated by the congressional office. I recommend you download the app 5 Calls, which connects you directly to your congressional representatives, provides updates on key issues, and offers suggested scripts.

Your two Senators, Republicans Tom Tillis and Ted Budd, can be reached by calling the U.S. Capitol Switch Board at 202-224-3121. Your House member, Republican Representative Greg Murphy, can be reached at the same number.

If you cannot get through by phone, you can also email your lawmakers about issues of concern. For Rep. Greg Murphy, visit https://gregmurphyforms.house.gov/contact/. Rep. Murphy has an office in Manteo at 954 Marshall Collins Drive, Room 194.

For Senator Tillis, visit https://www.tillis.senate.gov/contact/.

For Senator Budd, visit https://www.budd.senate.gov/contact/.

Laura Allendorf, Manteo

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