How Medicaid Cuts May Impact Older Adults

Cuts to Medicaid Benefits May Harm Millions of Older Adults

Recent proposals from the Trump administration and Republican members of Congress aim to implement substantial cuts to Medicaid funding. These proposed reductions have raised significant concerns, especially about their potential effects on older adults who rely on Medicaid for essential services.

Michigan healthcare officials have warned that such cuts could jeopardize coverage for 2.6 million residents—including nearly a million children—and strain local hospitals and clinics.

With Congress under pressure to reduce government spending in light of tax reform goals, Medicaid is likely on the chopping block. Medicaid spending was projected to reach $872 billion in 2023, and a budget resolution calls for at least $880 billion in cuts over the next decade.

How Funding Cuts Would Harm Older Adults

If federal Medicaid funding is reduced, states would have to absorb the costs of care for those who cannot afford it. This may lead states to:

• Eliminate or restrict optional benefits like Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS)
  
  
• Cut dental, vision, and hearing services
  
  
• Limit “spend down” eligibility for people who exceed income limits but can qualify by paying out-of-pocket medical costs
  
  

Even mandatory populations—such as seniors and individuals with disabilities—could be affected by reductions in Medicare Savings Programs or decreased enrollment. Medicaid funding cuts could also reduce healthcare provider payment rates, worsening staffing shortages in long-term care.

These cuts would disproportionately affect rural communities, potentially leading to hospital and clinic closures.

Cuts to Medicaid Are Cuts to Medicare

For millions of low-income seniors and people with disabilities, Medicaid and Medicare work hand in hand.

• 1 in 5 Medicare beneficiaries also relies on Medicaid
  
  
• 30% of Medicaid spending supports Medicare recipients
  
  
• 60% of Medicaid long-term care spending supports those on Medicare
  
  
• Medicaid covers co-pays and deductibles for 8 million people
  
  
• It provides monthly cost savings for 10 million Medicare enrollees
  
  

Medicaid strengthens Medicare by making healthcare accessible and helping seniors remain in their homes longer.

What You Can Do

There are ways you can help prevent harmful Medicaid funding cuts:

• Contact Your Legislators: Share your story. Let them know how Medicaid has helped you or a loved one.
  
  
• Support Advocacy Groups: Organizations like Medicare Rights Center, Justice in Aging, and Caring Across Generations provide resources to take action.
  
  
• Stay Informed: Understanding changes and proposals lets you better advocate for yourself and your community.
  
  

If you have questions about Medicaid planning or long-term care options for you or a loved one, we encourage you to reach out to our elder law attorneys at Somekh & Associates.

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Contact Us Today

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Call us at 718-740-3300 or visit www.nyelderlawgroup.com to schedule a consultation.

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Disclaimer: This article is provided as legal information, not legal advice. Our law firm makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in this article. The distribution or acceptance of this article does not constitute an attorney-client relationship with our law firm.