Issue Position: Medicaid

Issue Position

Issue Position: Medicaid

Medicaid
With states facing the most serious fiscal shortfalls to date, it is imperative that the federal government ensure that Medicaid programs receive the support needed to remain viable. I have been a strong supporter of Medicaid because I know how instrumental the program is in providing health care coverage for many Americans who would otherwise fall into the growing ranks of the almost 47 million uninsured. I have worked with colleagues to defeat legislative attempts to cut funding from Medicaid.

In early 2009, I was pleased to support the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This economic rescue plan was the product of extensive negotiations between both political parties, who worked to craft a proposal that would bring stability to our troubled economy. The U.S. Government Accountability Office estimates South Dakota will receive approximately $120 million in additional Medicaid funding as a result of this new law, though the estimate is based in part on predictions of future employment rates. This funding will ease the economic pressure on states to effectively operate their programs.

As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I will do all I can to fend off misguided cuts to Medicaid and other crucial health safety net programs. We need to support legislative initiatives that will increase, rather than decrease, access to care in rural communities.

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