Congress Considering Deep Medicaid Cuts
Congress is debating a budget resolution that includes $880 billion in Medicaid cuts, shifting costs to states and jeopardizing healthcare for many. A House vote could happen the week of February 24, making this week a crucial time to act.
These cuts would directly harm older adults, including many of our own clients who rely on Medicaid for essential services like long-term care, home health assistance, and prescription medications. This is a critical policy issue for KC Shepherd’s Center as 35% of our clients and volunteers receive Medicaid benefits, compared to just 9% of Missourians.
Take "Mary," a Meals on Wheels client who depends on $1,500 per month from her late husband's Social Security survivor benefit. With $900 going toward rent, she is left with only $600 to cover all other expenses, including medication, utilities, and food. Because her Medicaid spend-down is also $600 per month, she has nothing left for basic necessities beyond the five meals a week we provide. Medicaid cuts would only worsen the challenges for people like Mary—seniors already forced to make impossible choices.
Take Action:
📞 Contact your US Representative at 866-426-2631 and urge them to protect MO HealthNet.
📍 Visit district offices or email your Congress member—contact info is available at this LINK
📄 Talking points & details: HERE
Missouri Senate Hearing on Medicaid Work Requirements
A Missouri Senate hearing on SJR 43—which would impose work reporting requirements on Medicaid—takes place Wednesday, February 19 at 8:00 AM in Jefferson City.
While this proposal targets working-age adults, similar policies in other states have resulted in thousands of eligible individuals—many of them seniors or caregivers—losing coverage due to administrative barriers. Missouri’s own estimates suggest that 65,000 people could lose access to care, with costs rising by $215 million per year.
We know that many older adults, including those served by Kansas City Shepherd’s Center, live on fixed incomes and rely on Medicaid for survival. Losing this coverage could mean losing access to in-home care, vital prescriptions, or even their ability to remain independent in their homes.
Take Action:
📧 Email or call members of the Senate Committee on Families, Seniors, and Health to urge them to oppose this harmful policy. Contact information is available HERE.
Medicaid is a lifeline for older Missourians. Your voice can make a difference—act now to protect healthcare for seniors and vulnerable individuals.
Stay Engaged
Thank you for standing with us to protect Medicaid and advocate for the well-being of older adults and individuals with disabilities. If you have questions or need more information, please contact Laura Loyacono, KCSC Contract Policy Director, at laura@kcshepherdscenter.org.
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