Photo source: SingleCare
As Congress works to finalize a budget agreement, President Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson deserve thanks for their pledge to protect Medicaid.
When I worked as a registered nurse in Louisiana’s hospitals, I saw up close and personally the impact that Medicaid has in our communities. It is a lifeline for our most vulnerable residents— children, seniors, veterans, rural families, and people living with disabilities.
More than 1.4 million Louisianans—20% of our state’s population—get their health insurance through Medicaid. It covers more than 60% of births, 56% of children with special needs, and three quarters of nursing home residents. One in three rural residents is enrolled in the program.
Louisiana’s Medicaid expansion in 2016 has been good for patients and our economy. Nearly half a million additional residents have received preventative care and mental health services. It has saved our state $317 million, created nearly 20,000 jobs, and supported $3.57 billion in economic activity.
Republicans understand that hard-working, blue-collar families in Louisiana and across the country rely on Medicaid. President Trump has repeatedly pledged to not touch benefits. Speaker Johnson confirmed this week the House’s plan will not affect coverage or benefits. And Republican leaders have already begun to look for other funding sources to protect this essential program. We owe them a debt of gratitude.
Of course, negotiations aren’t done until a budget is signed by the president. I hope lawmakers will remain steadfast in their commitment to uphold Medicaid—which also means opposing a block grant structure, which is simply big cuts disguised under a different name.
All Louisianans deserve access to high-quality, affordable healthcare. Our Republican leaders know how important this issue is, and I trust they will do the right thing for our state.
Lu Jones
