I had planned my next video of Grands Rounds: The Healthcare Dollar to include a breakdown of insurance programs in the United States, including Medicaid and Medicare. However, I don’t have the time so I'll opt for a post that captures my frustrations with the Medicaid cuts passed by the Senate & in danger of passing today in the House.

The image below shows all the ways the bill effectively cuts Medicaid. Anyone who does not know what they’re talking about will focus on the Work Requirements and Streamlined Enrollment process and say, “Its not a Medicaid cut, we are just making sure it goes to the people who deserve it the most.” Not true — they are also decreasing the federal matching funds and the ability for states to use increased local taxes to fund Medicaid. It cuts the program out at the knees from both ways.

Other silly people will say “Well there’s so much fraud and waste in the program!” True! We see fraud by Medicare mostly, and some Medicaid, with providers and health systems. Put them in jail! Fine the heck out of them! Why would you decrease the funds and cut off the beneficiaries? They’re not the ones committing the fraud.

Finally, if you do not care about the poorest & most vulnerable in the country out of the goodness of your heart, I have a message for you too. You don’t have to! I do assume you care about your own wallet — and, Medicaid cuts → more uninsured → more unreimbursed care → higher premiums for everyone else to subsidize the cost :).

Call your Senators and House Representatives today!