Illustration: Sarah Grillo / Axios
A coalition of leading patient groups is warning congressional Republicans that Medicaid cuts would harm the patients they represent.
Why it matters: Groups signing the letter, such as the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and National Alliance on Mental Illness, are important health care voices and illustrate the political risks in cutting Medicaid.
What they're saying: "We write with one voice to express our deep alarm and strong opposition to the devastating Medicaid cuts being considered for inclusion in the FY25 budget reconciliation package," the letter states.
- The groups assert the public will see through Republican representations that the cuts are directed at rooting out waste, fraud and abuse.
- "When the patients we represent lose their health coverage because of these cuts, they will be acutely aware of the reality behind lawmakers' claims that these cuts were simply eliminating government waste."
Other groups signing the letter include the American Diabetes Association, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and American Lung Association.
The other side: Republicans argue they are going to protect Medicaid for the most vulnerable, including disabled and pregnant people, while implementing ideas like work requirements for "able-bodied" people.
