Press Release: Governor Whitmer Sounds Alarm on Proposed Medicaid Cuts Impacting Michigan Seniors
LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer has revealed alarming findings from a new report by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), detailing the severe consequences of proposed federal Medicaid cuts that could strip $325 million from state nursing homes and undermine essential services for seniors. This alarming situation threatens the health and wellbeing of over 168,000 seniors in Michigan who rely on Medicaid for critical care.
Currently, Medicaid supports more than 3 billion dollars a year in funding for Michigan’s nursing homes, where approximately 60% of residents depend on Medicaid. In addition, over $1.5 billion supports Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) providers, ensuring vulnerable seniors can access vital services that allow them to live independently.
Governor Whitmer, along with Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, emphasized that these federal cuts could displace vulnerable seniors, jeopardizing their ability to obtain medical care and other essential services. “Deep cuts to Medicaid could terminate healthcare for 750,000 Michiganders,” stated Whitmer, highlighting the broad impact of proposed cuts on families and communities across the state.
The proposed reductions come amid a Republican effort to cut $880 billion from Medicaid to finance a major tax cut primarily benefiting wealthy Americans. If enacted, these measures would represent the largest cuts to Medicaid in its 60-year history and threaten vital healthcare services across Michigan, particularly in rural areas where nearly 37% of residents rely on the program.
Local advocates and healthcare leaders warn that the cuts would not only harm seniors but also negatively affect the broader economy. The health care industry contributes approximately $77 billion to Michigan’s economy each year, and such reductions could result in job losses and increased healthcare costs.
As the Whitmer administration has worked to enhance healthcare access for seniors, it calls for immediate action to protect Medicaid and the essential services it funds. The governor’s office urges Congress to reject these detrimental proposals and ensure that Michigan’s seniors receive the care they deserve.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
