AOA urges Congress to protect Medicaid program

The American Osteopathic Association, representing more than 157,000 physicians who serve millions of patients, implores the preservation of the Medicaid program during the budget reconciliation process. For decades, the Medicaid program has provided health care coverage for millions of people, including children and parents, low-income adults, older adults, pregnant patients, individuals with mental health and substance use disorders, and individuals with disabilities, in communities large and small, urban and rural.

Our members are not alone in support of Medicaid and concern for its stability. Americans widely support Medicaid, with two-thirds of adults in the U.S. saying they have had some connection to the Medicaid program, through their own coverage or coverage of a loved one. Imposing arbitrary restrictions and limitations on Medicaid enrollment runs counter to the mission of the program, which is to provide people with the health care coverage—and peace of mind—that they need.

Medicaid is a lifeline for our nation’s most vulnerable: from visits with a primary care physician, to maternal health care and pediatrics, from labor and delivery services to behavioral health, as well as additional preventive care that saves lives. To that end, it is of the utmost importance that Congress protect this vital program.