As Medicaid Turns 61, Harsh Eligibility Rule Backed By James, Barrett, And Huizenga Is Challenged In Court

Today marks 61 years since the creation of Medicaid, a landmark healthcare program that now reaches about 2.5 million Michigan residents. But this year’s anniversary is marked by a reminder of the cuts to Medicaid that Congressmen John James (MI-10), Bill Huizenga (MI-04), and Tom Barrett (MI-07) voted for, as a harsh rule that could kick sick people off Medicaid is being heard in federal court. The same Republican Tax Law that cut Medicaid is also expected to raise out-of-pocket costs for many people who rely on the program.

At a recent Trump rally Congressman Barrett admitted healthcare costs are going up, asking the audience, "How many of you feel like we're paying more and more and more for premiums every single year and getting less and less for it?" But he failed to acknowledge that the policies he, Rep. Huizenga, and Rep. James supported are making it harder to afford healthcare.

“My family relies on Medicaid to make sure that my husband can get the medication he needs for a serious condition,” said Cynthia, who lives in MI-07. “When Rep. Barrett voted to put families like mine at risk, he let down so many of his constituents who are struggling to cover the cost of healthcare. It’s disappointing that he would rather cut taxes for billionaires than protect our healthcare.”

Reps. Barrett, Huizenga, and James all supported last year’s Republican Tax Law, which slashed Medicaid funding, risking coverage for vulnerable Michiganders who rely on it. A rule resulting from that law could threaten coverage for people with serious illnesses like cancer or HIV. Twenty-five states, including Michigan, are suing in federal court, arguing this rule forces patients to prove they're "sick enough" to keep coverage. About 700,000 Michigan residents would be subject to the stringent new Medicaid requirements, and up to 200,000 Michiganders could lose coverage as a result. 

On the anniversary of the signing of Medicaid, Michigan Families for Fair Care is calling on Congressmen Huizenga, James, and Barrett to reverse the harmful cuts to Medicaid and fight to protect healthcare for their constituents.