New Jersey's health care nonprofits are preparing for possible federal funding cuts as President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office. Concerns are growing that such reductions could exacerbate health disparities across the state.
Joel Cantor, director of the Rutgers Center for State Health Policy, expressed apprehension about the potential impact on organizations reliant on federal grants. "If I were leading a nonprofit that was dependent on those kinds of grants, I’d be very worried," Cantor stated.
Cantor warned that funding cuts might result in more individuals being uninsured due to their inability to afford insurance. He noted, "The racial, ethnic gaps will widen," adding that there would also be an increased divide "between the well-to-do middle class and the poor."
Despite these concerns, Cantor emphasized that Medicaid would not face reductions without resistance. He explained, "Medicaid is a principal source of funding for, for example, the nursing home industry. It’s a key source of funding for hospitals and clinics, and it’s critically important in state budgets." He highlighted the significant lobbying efforts by states and healthcare providers to maintain Medicaid funding.
Cantor concluded by underscoring Medicaid's crucial role in supporting the healthcare system and its political significance due to widespread interest in its continuation.
