Last Friday, a government shutdown was avoided when Congress passed a short-term funding bill. This keeps the government running through September 30, 2025, with most funding staying the same.
Now, Congress has to determine:
- Reconciliation – The House and Senate must agree on a budget plan. Medicaid cuts have been proposed, but nothing is final yet. You can still speak up.
- Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Appropriations – This decides how the government will spend money on programs and services from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026.
Medicaid matters for older adults. Many people think Medicare covers all healthcare for those over 65, but it doesn’t. Medicaid helps fill the gaps, paying for things like:
- Nursing home care
- In home care and community services
- Premiums, deductibles, and co-pays
A nursing home costs about $108,000 per year—far too expensive for many. That’s why 2 out of 3 nursing home residents rely on Medicaid. Medicaid also funds in-home care, helping seniors stay at home and avoid costly hospital visits or nursing facilities. By working alongside Medicare, Medicaid ensures seniors get the care they need while improving their quality of life and financial security. It also supports caregivers by offering respite care, giving them a much-needed break.
Did you know?
- 1 in 4 Medicaid enrollees are age 65 or older or have a disability
- More than half of Medicaid’s budget is spent on those over 65 and people with disabilities
- Older adults make up 26% of Medicaid enrollees, but use 42% of the funding
- Medicare does not cover long-term care
The Older Americans Act (OOA) helps too. The OOA provides funding for services that help older adults, such as meal programs, caregiver support, and transportation. So far, there are no specific proposals to cut OOA funding. But Medicaid and OOA work together; OOA often fills gaps for those that do not qualify for Medicaid. If Medicaid is cut, OOA programs would be overwhelmed with an increase in need with no new resources to meet that demand.
Cuts to Medicaid mean fewer services for older adults who need help. Contact your representative today.
- 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.