Federal Medicaid Cuts Threaten Millions, Strain State Budgets Nationwide

A recently approved House budget bill proposing deep Medicaid cuts has sparked widespread concern across multiple states about the impact on health care access for millions of vulnerable residents. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy condemned the bill for threatening coverage for 360,000 residents, emphasizing the devastating effects on mental health care and disability support. Similarly, Maine Governor Janet Mills warned the bill could strip 51,000 Mainers of health insurance and strain rural health providers, while Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel highlighted potential coverage losses for up to 750,000 residents and destabilization of health care systems. Alabama faces significant financial strain with proposed shifts in SNAP and Medicaid costs to the state, potentially costing hundreds of millions annually and complicating benefits for families. In Washington State, medical leaders at a forum expressed alarm over the bill's impact on Medicaid-funded services affecting up to 30% of the population in some districts, threatening community health centers and long-term care. These officials and advocates collectively argue that the cuts would disproportionately harm rural and low-income communities, increase health risks, and impose substantial burdens on state budgets and health infrastructures.