People in small towns and rural areas depend on Medicaid for healthcare. If the government reduces Medicaid funding, it could put these communities and their hospitals at serious risk.
Any substantial cut to Medicaid will impact hospitals. Many rural hospitals already struggle financially; Medicaid helps keep them open. If funding is cut, hospitals could face financial stress, reduce services, or even close.
Did you know that, in 2023:
- Medicaid paid for about one fifth (19%) of ALL hospital spending. Medicare covered 25%, and private insurance covered 37%.
- About one-third (32%) of all Medicaid spending went to hospital care.
- Medicaid covered around 40% of all births in the U.S. and nearly half of births in rural areas. Childbirth is the most common reason for inpatient hospital stays.
- Expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has helped prevent hospital closures.
Medicaid cuts can make it harder to get care. Fewer doctors, longer wait times, and the loss of key services—like maternity care, mental health support, and emergency treatment—could force rural residents to travel for medical help. This is especially dangerous for people with chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
Hospitals are legally required to treat and stabilize all patients, even if they can’t pay. Medicaid provides hospitals with funding to help cover these costs. Without it, hospitals still have to treat people, but with less money. Hospitals that stay open could be forced to reduce services, leading to fewer staff and longer wait times. This affects everyone in the community—not just Medicaid patients.
There are economic impacts too. Hospitals are often among the largest employers in rural areas. When they close or cut staff, it affects not just healthcare workers but also local businesses that rely on hospital employees and patients.
Medicaid funding is critical to keeping rural hospitals running and ensuring people get the care they need. Protecting it helps both hospitals and communities stay strong.
Voice your support for Medicaid by:
- Sending a letter to your elected officials. The National Council for Mental Wellbeing has drafted a letter you can customize and send – https://thenationalcouncil.quorum.us/campaign/107658/
- Calling your local legislator: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative
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