WASHINGTON, D.C. – Joint Economic Committee Democrats released a report today that highlights the importance of Medicaid to the American economy, health, and financial security of families enrolled in the program. Republican proposals to restrict Medicaid would kick millions of enrollees off the program through arbitrary caps, and greenlight burdensome and harmful eligibility restrictions like work requirements and lock-out periods.
“Medicaid is about more than just health care, it provides peace of mind and economic security for millions of people,” said Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Joint Economic Committee. “But attacks on Medicaid by my Republican colleagues would threaten the livelihoods of millions of Americans, including the elderly and people with disabilities. We must commit to supporting Medicaid and protecting the health and financial security of working Americans across the country.”
The report, “Medicaid: Supporting the Economy and Middle Class Since 1965,” highlights the economic benefits of the program to not only beneficiaries, but their families as well. Medicaid lifts at least 2.6 million Americans out of poverty each year. Additionally, Medicaid and Medicaid expansion benefits the economy as a whole, by supporting jobs in communities nationwide, including in some rural communities where local hospitals are the largest employer. Medicaid also provides relief for those who see their incomes hit during recessions and helps cushion the overall economy during downturns.
The report also outlines how Medicaid and Medicaid expansion have helped to fight the opioid epidemic. Medicaid expansion granted 1.3 million people access to behavioral health care services and decreased the unmet need for substance use disorder treatment among low-income adults by 18 percent. Medicaid is the largest payer for behavioral health and substance use disorder (SUD) services in the country.
Click here to read the report.
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For more information, please contact Latoya Veal at Latoya_Veal@jec.senate.gov or 202-224-0379.
