“Yesterday, the House Budget Committee proposed a budget resolution that would cut hundreds of billions of dollars from Medicaid and Medicare, the public health insurance programs that keep low-income and elderly Americans healthy.

“The worst of these proposals could effectively end Medicaid as we know it. In New York, Medicaid cuts of this magnitude would severely harm both the seven million New Yorkers with Medicaid coverage and the caregivers who ensure their health.

“New York’s hospitals and nursing homes are already struggling. Decades of inadequate Medicaid payment rates have placed the majority of them in an increasingly precarious financial state. These devastating federal cuts would force them to cut staff and reduce services, threatening access to care for our most vulnerable residents.

“We strongly urge Congress to protect and strengthen Medicaid and Medicare. Your constituents are counting on you.”

George Gresham, President, 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East

Kenneth E. Raske, President, Greater New York Hospital Association

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1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is the largest and fastest-growing healthcare union in New York and nationwide. We represent over 450,000 members throughout New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maryland, Florida, and Washington, D.C.  Our mission is to achieve quality care and good jobs for all.