Proposed Medicaid Cuts Threaten Health of Millions, Impact Ohio's Mortality Rates

Advocates and individuals across the United States are raising concerns about proposed congressional cuts to Medicaid, emphasizing that the program is a vital lifeline for millions of vulnerable Americans, including children, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and those with serious illnesses such as cancer, ALS, and muscular dystrophy. In Mississippi and nationally, Medicaid provides critical access to health care, including cancer screenings, emergency care, and caregiver support, which would be jeopardized by funding reductions. In Ohio, potential Medicaid cuts could exacerbate longstanding issues like high infant and maternal mortality rates, as well as limit access to care due to already low reimbursement rates for providers. Medicaid is also highlighted as essential for people with disabilities, enabling independent living, employment, and long-term care. Youth activists and advocates argue that funding should prioritize social programs like Medicaid over military spending, reflecting a broader call for investment in public health and well-being. Across all perspectives, the consensus is that cuts to Medicaid would have far-reaching negative impacts on public health and individual livelihoods.