The MeidasTouch Podcast Meidas Health: Congressman Adam Smith on Healthcare Impacts from Shutdown
9 snips
Oct 19, 2025 
Congressman Adam Smith, a U.S. Representative from Washington's 9th district and a major voice on defense and public policy, discusses the urgent implications of the government shutdown on healthcare. He highlights the immediate cuts to Medicaid and ACA tax credits, which strain access for American families. Smith also details how rural areas and Republican-led states face the biggest losses in coverage, ultimately impacting community health. Additionally, he tackles the challenge of voter support for policies that harm their own interests and emphasizes the importance of defending vaccines.
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Budget Choices Drive Health Outcomes
- The Republican budget and shutdown threaten massive cuts to Medicaid and ACA supports that will raise uninsured rates and costs.
- Rep. Adam Smith says these priorities favor tax cuts and defense over health, harming millions and public health infrastructure.
Protect ACA Credits Now
- Fund the ACA tax credits to keep coverage affordable and protect hospitals from uncompensated care.
- Oppose the Republican budget cuts that would strip coverage and public health resources.
Uninsured Costs Ripple Across Systems
- Loss of ACA subsidies and Medicaid expansions will increase uncompensated care and threaten rural hospitals and clinics.
- Smith warns these closures raise costs for insured patients and reduce access for entire communities.