Statement from Trinity Health President and CEO Mike Slubowski on Medicaid

For 60 years, Medicaid has been a vital part of our nation’s commitment to caring for one another, providing health care coverage for millions of children, seniors, people with disabilities, and families with limited income. Beyond serving as a critical safety net for many, the Medicaid program reflects our values and investment in the well-being of our communities. As conversations about cuts to Medicaid continue, we must remember that when access to health care is weakened, the ripple effects touch every part of society: from public health to economic strength, from family security to the stability of our communities.

Cuts to Medicaid don’t just impact a few, they affect all of us. One in five Americans rely on Medicaid for health care coverage. These are people we know and care about — our neighbors, colleagues, and loved ones. In fact, Medicaid provides:

• Coverage for 41 percent of births in the United States.
• Health care for nearly half of all children in the U.S.
• Coverage for more than 1.6 million U.S. military veterans.
• Support for more than 60 percent of nursing home residents in the U.S.

Without Medicaid, millions of Americans are at risk of going without preventive care, life-saving treatments, critical support services, prenatal care, mental health services, and essential prescription medications. A healthier population leads to a stronger workforce and a more productive economy — one of the many reasons why 76 percent of Americans view this essential health coverage favorably.

Medicaid is a necessary investment in our nation’s future. Significant cuts to Medicaid will stress the availability of health services for everyone. We know from experience that increases in the uninsured population leads to more people turning to overcrowded emergency departments for routine care, driving up costs and wait times for all – the uninsured and insured. Over time, the financial strain from rising uncompensated care will force hospitals to reduce or close essential services. We must protect people’s access to care to help sustain and strengthen our nation’s health for the long term.

We believe everyone deserves access to health care. For decades, our patients and their loved ones have relied on us to provide care for all. Removing barriers to health and well-being has been, and remains, core to who we are as a Catholic health system.

We urge Congress to affirm this commitment by protecting and strengthening Medicaid.

The health of our people reflects our nation's health. If we value dignity, health equity, and compassion, then we must protect Medicaid—because when Medicaid is strong, America is strong.

Make your voice heard and advocate to protect Medicaid by reaching out to your local elected officials.