dbeard@dominionpost.com
MORGANTOWN – The Trump administration effort to trim the federal deficit and the national debt has many worried that Medicaid might take a hit – affecting the healthcare for low-income citizens.
While it’s too soon to know exactly what will be cut, two local health systems are concerned and remain vigilant.
As Healtcare Dive and Becker’s Hospital Review summarize the situation, a U.S. House GOP budget resolution calls on the Energy & Commerce Committee to find $880 billion in savings for Fiscal Years 2025-2034. It’s part of an overall goal to reduce spending by $1.5 trillion.
Medicare and Medicaid are the largest programs under E&C’s oversight they report. And the Trump administration said it won’t cut Medicare, leaving Medicaid as a likely target, though not necessarily the only target.
Some already view Medicaid cuts as a certainty.
The West Virginia chapter of Protect Our Care – which describes itself as “dedicated to making high-quality, affordable and equitable health care a right” – said, “These severe cuts to the largest health insurance program in the country would result in millions losing coverage, including children, new moms, seniors, and people with disabilities. … A majority of voters, including Trump voters, have a favorable view of Medicaid and see it as a critical source of health care.”
The Dominion Post reached out to WVU Medicine and Mon Health System/Vandalia North for their thoughts.
A WVUM spokesperson said, “As nearly 30% of West Virginians are Medicaid or CHIP recipients, we are concerned about any proposed reductions to Medicaid and what they might mean for those individuals who rely on these programs for their health insurance. We hope to work closely with our elected officials in Congress to advocate for these patients and ensure our fellow West Virginians can continue to receive the healthcare coverage they need and deserve.”
David Goldberg, president and CEO of Mon Health System and Davis Health System-Vandalia Health Northern Region, and executive vice president of Vandalia Health, said, “Medicaid is a significant payer for hospitals in West Virginia. Further analysis and understanding of the mechanics of the various proposals would be required before we could comment.
He continued, “As a state, approximately 75% of our funding sources are Medicare, Medicaid and PEIA. This is a much larger governmental funding source for hospitals than many other states and those surrounding West Virginia. Medicaid coverage helps provide access to West Virginians who would otherwise be unable to pay for health care. West Virginia is a rural state and access to care would be challenged if there were significant changes to Medicaid or Medicare.”
