Veteran calls on Schweikert, Congress to protect Medicaid

Michael Infanzon

Submitted photo

Tell Us What You Think

Should Congress pass a reconciliation package that includes cuts to Medicaid or should they leave it alone? Are you worried that you or someone you know will be affected by cuts?

Drop us a line at AzOpinions@iniusa.org and tell us what you think in 300 words or less. Be sure to include your name and city in your email.

Arizona has a proud legacy of military service. Over a half-million veterans live here, and our state is home to multiple military bases and installations.

That’s why I’m sounding the alarm as Congress considers a policy change with negative ramifications for Arizona veterans and their families.

Right now, lawmakers are moving quickly to pass a reconciliation package that has the chance to reshape and reform the federal government. One of the major policy changes that is on the table would slash hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding for Medicaid, a program that tens of millions of Americans rely on for their health care. With the goal of reducing the deficit, this proposed cut could cause countless Americans, including many veterans, to lose coverage.

Many people wrongly assume that veterans receive all of their health benefits from the VA. Not true. In fact, over 1.5 million veterans nationwide utilize Medicaid to fill gaps in their VA coverage, assist with medical expenses, and more. That equates to an estimated 1 in 10 working-age veterans — and for 40% of these men and women, Medicaid is their only source of health coverage.

Patients aren’t the only ones that would be hurt by Medicaid cuts. Small, often rural hospitals are likely to be financially devastated as their costs go up to provide emergency care to people without medical coverage. Nationally, approximately 300 rural medical centers are already at risk of closing. Slashing Medicaid could force many to close their doors.

For Arizona veterans and other patients, that would mean longer drives to medical care. Now consider that over half of Arizona veterans are 65 or older. How will we ensure their continued access to health care if/when their rural community hospitals close?

Like GOP Congressman David Schweikert, I am a fiscal conservative who believes government should live within its means. But, I also know Congress should not balance our nation’s budget on the backs of veterans — many of whom sustained traumatic physical and mental health conditions during service to this country.

As a member of the House Ways & Means Committee, Congressman Schweikert has outsized influence over how this budget package will move forward. I urge him to use his voice and authority to protect the 138,000 Medicaid members in CD-1, including a good many of the 35,000 veterans in his district.

Veterans recognize a pivotal battle when we see one. The current Medicaid fight is critical. The decisions our leaders make in the coming days and weeks will define health care for former servicemembers, rural communities and tens of millions of Americans.

Protect Medicaid.

Editor’s note: Michael Infanzon is a Marine Corps veteran and government affairs representative for Arizona Veterans, a non-profit organization that advocates on behalf of Arizona veterans and their families. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.