LaLota among 12 House Republicans speaking out to defend Medicaid from steep cuts

Long Island representatives Nick LaLota (NY-1), Rep. Andrew Garbarino (NY-2) and 10 other House Republicans wrote to their leadership yesterday to express support for Medicaid and object to steep cuts in funding for the healthcare program that serves nearly 80 million lower-income Americans.

“Balancing the federal budget must not come at the expense of those who depend on these benefits for their health and economic security,” the letter read. “[W]e cannot and will not support a final reconciliation bill that includes any reduction in Medicaid coverage for vulnerable populations,” it said.

The letter, addressed to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, GOP Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Majority Whip Tom Emmer, and Energy and Commerce Chairman Brett Guthrie, asked the leaders to “prioritize care for our nation’s most vulnerable populations.” 

It continued: “Our constituents are asking for changes to the healthcare system that will strengthen the healthcare workforce, offer low-income, working-class families expanded opportunities to save for medical expenses, support rural and underserved communities, and help new mothers.”

In addition, the members wrote, “Cuts to Medicaid also threaten the viability of hospitals, nursing homes, and safety-net providers nationwide. Many hospitals—particularly in rural and underserved areas—rely heavily on Medicaid funding, with some receiving over half their revenue from the program alone.
Providers in these areas are especially at risk of closure, with many unable to recover. When
hospitals close, it affects all constituents, regardless of healthcare coverage.”

Earlier this month, the House narrowly approved a budget framework bill that could mean significant cuts to Medicaid. The bill instructed the House Energy & Commerce Committee (which has jurisdiction over Medicaid) to reduce the federal deficit by at least $880 billion over 10 years. Democrats argue that Medicaid is the only place where cuts at that level could be made. GOP leaders have said Medicaid will be reformed to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse, but will not be significantly cut.  

“Medicaid is a vital safety net that provides health care to millions of low-income Americans, including children, seniors, and people with disabilities,” LaLota said in a press release Wednesday.  “I’m committed to responsible, compassionate reforms that protect the program for those who truly need it,” said LaLota. 

LaLota said he and the 11 other Republican members who signed the letter are “calling on House GOP leadership to protect Medicaid coverage while pursuing common-sense reforms.”  The “common sense reforms” include “work requirements for able-bodied adults, limiting benefits to legal residents, and increasing eligibility checks from every 12 months to every 6 months to help prevent fraud and abuse,” LaLota said.

In addition to LaLota and Garbarino, the letter was signed by Republican representatives David Valadao of California, Don Bacon of Nebraska, Jefferson Van Drew of New Jersey, Rob Bresnahan Jr. of Pennsylvania, Juan Ciscomani of Arizona, Jen Kiggans of Virginia, Young Kim of California, Robert Wittman of Virginia, Nicole Malliotakis of New York and Jeff Hurd of Colorado. The letter said the members represent districts with “high rates of constituents who depend on Medicaid,” and expressed their “strong support” for the program.

The GOP holds a 220-213 majority in the House, leaving the speaker with little wiggle room to pass controversial measures that face opposition from within his conference.