The New Liberal Podcast Saving Medicaid ft. Congressman Ritchie Torres
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Mar 28, 2025 Congressman Ritchie Torres, representing a low-income district, passionately advocates for Medicaid and social safety nets. He discusses alarming proposed cuts to Medicaid that threaten nearly 100 million users and emphasizes the bipartisan importance of this issue. Torres highlights the financial strain on healthcare providers in vulnerable communities like the Bronx and calls for a shift in public debate from political scandals to protecting essential services. He also navigates challenges of fiscal responsibility and the complexities of healthcare reforms.
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Medicaid's Importance
- Medicaid is the largest payer of healthcare and long-term care in the US, covering the lowest income individuals.
- It's also crucial for the elderly and disabled, covering a significant portion of their healthcare expenditures.
Republican Budget and Medicaid
- The Republican budget resolution proposes cuts that would severely impact Medicaid funding.
- While Republicans deny targeting Medicaid, the Congressional Budget Office deems it mathematically impossible to achieve the proposed cuts without affecting it.
Impact on Low-Income Districts
- Ritchie Torres represents a district with 67% Medicaid enrollment, the lowest income district in the US.
- Medicaid cuts would devastate safety-net hospitals, leading to potential closures and reduced care quality.