House of Representatives Oppose Trump-Pence Attacks on Medicaid
For Immediate Release: Feb. 6, 2020
House Members go on record against the administration’s efforts to cut Medicaid
Medicaid block grants threaten health care for people with low incomes, particularly women, nationwide
WASHINGTON — Today, the House of Representatives voted to oppose the Trump-Pence administration’s invitation to states to cut Medicaid funding, and jeopardize health care coverage for people with low incomes, including reproductive and sexual health care.
Statement from Jacqueline Ayers, Vice President, Government Relations & Public Policy, Planned Parenthood Federation of America:
“People want more access to health care, not less. But the Trump-Pence administration’s attempts to take Medicaid apart puts people with low incomes, and particularly women, at risk of losing their health insurance or their provider. We thank the champions in the House of Representatives who are standing up to this cruel policy and reaffirming their commitment to protecting Medicaid and the millions of people it serves. Senators must now decide if they’ll stand with the administration, or with their constituents whose health care is on the line."
The Trump-Pence administration’s move to allow states to shrink Medicaid into a block grant system would result in drastic cuts to funding, and could cause people with low incomes across the country to lose access to their health care or their provider. Half of people seeking care at Planned Parenthood health centers across the country use Medicaid. About one in five women of reproductive age rely on Medicaid for their health care, and women account for over half of all adult Medicaid enrollees. Medicaid covers more women’s health services than any other payer. Medicaid is also the largest payer of reproductive health care coverage, paying for nearly half of all births in the United States and 75 percent of family planning services.
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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.