Budgets, we’re all looking at budgets, especially the Congress. Looking to save $88 billion in the federal budget for the fiscal year that starts October 1, the House now proposes major changes in Medicaid which would strip around 8 million persons from Medicaid coverage. How would it be done?
Tightening up eligibility verification rules, requiring “able-bodied” adults 19-55 to meet certain work requirements, and setting up a co-pay for families above 100 percent of the poverty line – that’s $15,650 for a single adult. Could you live on that? And who is an “able-bodied” adult?
The aim is to make Medicaid cuts pay for tax cuts for the rich and Trump spending priorities. No mention about cuts to fossil fuel subsidies, which amount to $20 billion in explicit subsidies, and another $700 billion or so in tax breaks, and other goodies, but no change there—too much money flows into Congress from polluters.
Prayer for the Day
You call us to care for the poor and disabled, O God,
But we turn aside claiming it is too expensive;
You call us to care for people needing medical care,
But our politicians turn their heads from need.
Give us prophets O Lord, or we sink into the mire,
A swamp of disregard and selfishness.
In the name of the One who shakes our conscience,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen,
Thoughts for the Day
This is not trimming fat from around the edges, it’s cutting to the bone. The overwhelming majority of the savings in this bill will come from taking health care away from millions of Americans.
Frank Pallone, U.S. Congress (D-NJ)
Potential Federal Medicaid cuts represent 29% of state Medicaid funding per resident, 6% of state taxes per resident, and 19% of education spending per pupil.
Analysis by Kaiser Family Foundation economists
When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none,
And their tongue is parched with thirst, I the Lord will answer them.
I the God of Israel will not forsake them.
I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of valleys,
I will make the wilderness a pool of water,
And the dry land springs of water.
Isaiah 41: 17-18