Leading physician groups call for the protection of Medicaid

Author(s):

Austin Littrell

Key Takeaways

Proposed Medicaid cuts could severely impact patient access, particularly for vulnerable populations, by limiting enrollment, reducing benefits, and lowering provider reimbursements.
Physician organizations stress that Medicaid is essential for millions, including low-income individuals, children, and those with mental health issues, across diverse communities.
Reduced Medicaid funding may force physicians to limit Medicaid patients, leading to longer wait times, fewer care options, and increased strain on safety-net providers.
The coalition urges lawmakers to prioritize Medicaid preservation, emphasizing its importance for patient care and the sustainability of the healthcare infrastructure.

Several leading physician groups issued a statement in support of the Medicaid program amid proposals to implement budget cuts, structural changes.

In a statement released today, a coalition of leading physician organizations warn that proposed federal budget cuts to Medicaid could have devastating consequences for patient access to care, particularly for vulnerable populations.

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), American College of Physicians (ACP) and American Psychiatric Association (APA) — representing more than 400,000 practicing physicians — issued the joint statement in opposition of potential Medicaid reductions included in recent budget reconciliation discussions.

Although not listed in the initial statement, the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) — which represents more than 157,000 physicians — issued the same statement in support of the Medicaid program on their website.

“For decades, the Medicaid program has provided health care coverage for millions of people, including children and parents, low-income adults, older adults, pregnant patients, individuals with mental health and substance use disorders and individuals with disabilities, in communities large and small, urban and rural,” the groups wrote.

“Cuts to Medicaid will have grave consequences for patients, communities and the entire health care system.”

Consequences for patients, physicians

In their statement, the physician organizations stressed that any reduction in Medicaid funding would severely impact access to essential health services, warning that states may be forced to limit enrollment, reduce benefits, or lower provider reimbursement rates, making it even more difficult for physicians to continue serving Medicaid patients.

“Slashing already-low Medicaid payment rates will make it even harder for physicians to provide care to people covered under Medicaid and will ultimately increase health care costs as patients are forced to forgo vital preventive care,” the groups wrote.

Lower reimbursements could lead some physicians to limit the number of Medicaid patients they treat, leading to longer wait times and fewer care options — particularly in underserved areas. Additionally, reduced funding could strain other safety-net providers, including community health centers and rural hospitals, many of which rely on Medicaid revenue.

Support for Medicaid

As budget negotiations continue, these physician organizations are urging lawmakers to reconsider any cuts and prioritize policies that preserve Medicaid. They emphasize that protecting Medicaid is essential, not only for patients, but for the sustainability of the entire health care infrastructure.

“Medicaid is a lifeline for our nation’s most vulnerable — from visits with a primary care physician, to maternal health care and pediatrics, to labor and delivery services, to behavioral health and to preventive care that saves lives,” they wrote, adding, “To that end, it is of the utmost importance that Congress protect this vital program.”