Public Statement 2/26/25
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Yesterday evening, the U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed a budget resolution that calls for a $2 trillion reduction in federal spending over the next decade. The resolution also directs the House Energy and Commerce Committee (E&C), which oversees Medicare and Medicaid funding, to identify at least $880 billion in budget cuts.
Along with other community health centers and non-profit organizations, Equitas Health remains concerned about the previously proposed freeze on federal funding and the looming federal funding deadline. The agency has maintained an active presence on Capitol Hill throughout the federal funding (i.e. “appropriations”) process.
With this recent vote, Equitas Health is, once again, sounding the alarm. This recent action means that Ohio is poised to lose up to $31.37 billion in federal funding for Medicaid, based upon estimates from a recent report from the Center for American Progress (CAP).
Regarding the impact of these funding cuts across Ohio, Rhea Debussy, PhD, (she/her) Director of External Affairs at Equitas Health, said: “Funding cuts to Medicaid will be especially difficult for rural counties across Ohio. In fact, rural areas across the state – including Ohio’s 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 8th, and 12th congressional districts – are poised to lose $1.66 billion to $2.38 billion each. Without Medicaid coverage, working families across Ohio will be stuck with steep medical bills, while the ultra-wealthy are handed another tax cut.”
As noted by the Ohio Legislative Service Commission, federal funding is a crucial component of the state’s budget plan for Medicaid expansion. Without these federal funds, the state government would need to either 1) cover the funding gap or 2) reduce coverage for the 2.9 million Ohioans who rely on Medicaid and CHIP. This poses a threat to Governor Mike DeWine’s proposed biennial state budget, and it leaves only a few months for the Ohio Statehouse to find a solution.
While yesterday’s federal budget resolution is only a first step in the budget “reconciliation” process, this signals a threat to Medicaid funding. It also signals a looming threat to other public health priorities. For instance, HIV treatment and prevention programs are already facing a $700 million cut in the federal budget.
Regarding federal funding for HIV treatment, prevention, and resource programs, David Ernesto Munar, (he/him), President and Chief Executive Officer of Equitas Health, said: “Places like Equitas Health are doing important work…Now is not the time to pull back on the fight against AIDS in the United States and in Ohio.”
Equitas Health remains committed to advancing care for all through public policy work in the U.S. Congress, and the agency will continue to communicate about issues related to federal funding for community health centers, Medicaid, and HIV-focused programs. We also encourage our patients and community to continue communicating with their member of Congress on these important issues.
Click to enlarge for more information | Source: Americanprogress.org
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