Missouri lawmakers sound alarm on proposed Medicaid cuts

KANSAS CITY, Mo., (KBSI) — U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver and Wesley Bell joined forces with Protect Our Care Missouri on Wednesday to sound the alarm on proposed federal cuts to Medicaid.

The virtual press briefing highlighted the devastating impact of the proposed cuts on Missouri’s health care system, which relies heavily on Medicaid. According to the representatives, the cuts would jeopardize the health care coverage of 1.3 million Missourians, including 109,000 seniors, 660,000 children, and 186,000 people with disabilities.

Rep. Cleaver emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “This is a matter of life and death for many people in Missouri. Medicaid keeps rural hospitals open, supports long-term care for seniors, and gives families the care they need to stay healthy.”

Rep. Bell added, “These proposed Medicaid cuts are not just policy decisions. They are decisions that will have real, painful consequences for working families across Missouri.”

The representatives urged the Missouri congressional delegation to protect Medicaid from the proposed cuts, which they argue would have far-reaching and devastating consequences for the state’s health care system.