West Virginia’s Medicaid program faces a growing financial deficiency that could lead to cuts in services or authorization. (Zimmytws | Getty Images)
West Virginians deserve the truth about the Medicaid program of our state. While Medicaid Financing is exposed to a defect – this is not due to inherent program errors.
The Republican threat to health care is real. And if you get what you want? This is the real five alarm fire that is waiting to be inflamed. It will be catastrophic for West Virginia – our children, our families, our workforce, our schools, our petite companies, our hospitals and our economy.
The fact is that under the prior administration of Medicaid Fund that was intended for health needs were instructed to fill other budget holes and to pay non -financed tax cuts. With increasing health costs across the country,
West Virginia’s Medicaid budget remained flat.
Federal funds assigned to Medicaid have been systematically redirected over the years and our most endangered citizens have been endangered. This is not speculation; It is a tough reality that requires our immediate attention and action.
State officials were less than in the financial maneuvers, who often covered the true state of the finances of Medicaid in public statements. As a result of these practices, West Virginia’s Medicaid program faces a growing financial deficit that could lead to cuts in services or authorization.
It is not the task of the legislator in West Virginia to reduce the federal deficit and to carry out the Trump agenda or the 2025 project. Your task and that of the governor is to say goodbye to a sustainable and responsible budget that pays attention to the best interests of West Virgin.
Essentially, a third or more than 500,000 West Virginians receive their health care from Medicaid. It offers the largest source of cover for the health care of children, the long -term care of seniors in qualified nursing homes, birth insurance and the treatment of substance utilize. It also offers reporting for working in West Virginians in low wage jobs, whose employers are unable to wait for health care for their employees, which, as it is exposed, is the situation for many West Virgins, especially for those who compile several part-time jobs to pay the bills.
The expenditure for Medicaid in West Virginia exceedsed 500 billion US dollars annually. Over 400 billion US dollars – 82% of Medicaid Financing – come from federal money. This is a remarkable capital return for health care for the residents of the Berges State.
When the state Medicaid budget is shortened, it also exposes the future federal share of the financing and promotes an even larger hole in the state budget.
Before the expansion of Medicaid, hospitals decreased a much uncomfortable supply and had the additional burden on the emergency rooms used by people with untreated chronic diseases. These people could not afford to go to the doctor without health insurance. As a result, manageable chronic diseases became life -threatening situations to treat several times more.
Instead of having 5% to 6% of a historical low of non -insured population, West Virginia would return to an uninsured rate of 19%. An uninsured rate that is approaching 20% ​​of the population of a state is good for nobody.
If the legislator consider budget cuts, we ask you to think about where people will go for care. After all, Medicaid is an crucial payer in all hospitals in West Virginia rural and urban doctors, nurses, nursing assistants, medical assistants, freelance and non-profit clinics, municipal health centers, long-term care facilities and other providers.
Do not be fooled by misleading headlines and messages that Medicaid is the reason why our state budget is exposed to a deficiency. Our Medicaid program is in danger because the legislator in West Virginia lacks the vision and willingness to support the state’s largest health insurance program. It is time for West Virginians to better demand. Our health and well-being and the future of the economy in West Virginia-Ganz depend on our most vulnerable neighbors.
