ADVOCACY ALERT
CONTACT YOUR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS TODAY!
Oppose 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.”
Virginia law will automatically terminate Medicaid Expansion if federal funding falls below 90%.
Virginia rural counties have, on average, Medicaid coverage for 21% of the population, compared to 18% in metro areas. 38 rural counties have a higher average than the metro average, with the highest being Emporia (33%), Danville City (30%), Martinsville City (29%), Franklin City (28%), and Norton City (28%).
Act Now! Use VRHA’s Congressional Directory to contact your members of Congress and let them know how many people are covered by Medicaid in your area and what concerns you have if Congress make severe cuts to Medicaid.
For more information, please read NRHA’s letter to congressional leadership, fact sheets on the impact of Medicaid cuts, and a map depicting Medicaid coverage in Virginia. Contact Alexa McKinley Abel with any questions.
Congressional Directory
National Rural Health Association Priority Areas
Advocacy Resources: Coordinated grassroots efforts by NRHA members and other rural health advocates are critical to ensuring rural and underserved populations have access to health care. The documents listed below are resources to articulate specific policy asks on the rural health issues you care most about. Use these materials as resources when talking to your state and federal leaders.
Advocacy Campaigns: Links to current NRHA Advocacy campaigns.
Not sure who your Congressional Representative is? Look it up here.
Virginia Advocacy
Select Committee on Advancing Rural and Small Town Health Care Final Report – 12/15/2024