Chairwoman Carol Murphy, alongside healthcare stakeholders, has urged New Jersey’s Congressional delegation to oppose significant cuts to federal healthcare funding. The proposed cuts, expected to be voted on before Memorial Day, could slash approximately $880 billion from federal health care programs like NJ Family Care/Medicaid.
Murphy and other speakers highlighted the potential negative impacts of these cuts during a media briefing held before a special Assembly Health Committee hearing. They stressed that nearly two million New Jersey residents rely on Medicaid for essential services. These include mental health care, substance use disorder treatment, and community services addressing the opioid crisis.
“These cuts will greatly reduce access to care throughout our state,” said Assemblywoman Murphy. “This hearing is essential to shine a light on how it will impact every facet of our health system.”
Laura Waddell from NJ Citizen Action emphasized the burden these cuts would place on struggling New Jerseyans. Jim McCracken of LeadingAge New Jersey & Delaware pointed out that Medicaid is crucial for older adults in various care settings.
Theresa Luoni, a Medicaid recipient and mother of autistic children, described Medicaid as her family’s lifeline. Mary Coogan from Advocates for Children of New Jersey noted that over 859,000 children depend on NJ FamilyCare for essential services.
Gwen Orlowski from Disability Rights New Jersey argued against any reforms reducing Medicaid services. Peter Chen from New Jersey Policy Perspective warned about the economic consequences of such reductions.
Dr. Dan Goldsmith highlighted the importance of Medicaid for hospitalized patients’ discharge processes. Andy Aronson from the HealthCare Association of New Jersey discussed the financial challenges nursing homes face due to underfunding and potential staff reductions if further cuts occur.
The coalition urges Congress to reject any measures that would lead to reduced Medicaid funding in order to protect vulnerable populations in New Jersey.
