As a social worker and educator who has practiced in this community for 36 years, I am deeply concerned about the proposed federal budget, which includes substantial cuts to Medicaid funding These cuts poses a significant threat to the health and well-being of approximately 1.1 million residents in our state. Nearly one of every five Coloradans rely on Health First Colorado, our state's Medicaid program, for essential health services.
Implementing these cuts would jeopardize access to vital medical care for vulnerable populations such as older adults in nursing facilities, individuals with disabilities and children.
Six of every 10 Coloradans in nursing facilities rely on Medicaid, and Medicaid is vital for providing in-home care that helps people with disabilities and aging adults live independently. Over 34% of Colorado children are covered through Medicaid. Moreover, our rural hospitals, already operating on thin margins, could face closures, leading to devastating economic and health consequences for their communities.
This isn’t only a national or statewide concern: It also affects us in La Plata County by threatening access to care for the many individuals who rely on Medicaid for their health care funding.
I urge our congressional representatives to reject any cuts to Medicaid. Let’s work to protect affordable health care and social programs and continue to make our community healthy.
Wanda Ellingson
Durango
