RECAP: Krishnamoorthi, IL Health Leaders Highlight Impact of GOP Plan that Threatens Medicaid Coverage for 3.4 Million Illinoisans

CHICAGO, IL - Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) met with Cook County Health CEO Dr. Erik Mikaitis and leaders from Protect Our Care Illinois for a roundtable discussion with local health care providers, advocates, and patients on the devastating impact of Medicaid cuts proposed by Congressional Republicans. The event followed the House GOP's passage of a budget resolution that would pave the way for $1.5 trillion in federal spending cuts. According to policy experts, the plan could strip health care coverage from up to 862,774 Illinoisans while jeopardizing access for all 3.4 million Medicaid recipients across the state-including two out of every five infants and two-thirds of nursing home residents.

"Let's be clear: House Republicans' plans to cut Medicaid would be draconian and extreme," Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. "We're not talking about abstract numbers-we're talking about real people who will lose their health care, their peace of mind, and, in some cases, their lives. I grew up relying on programs like SNAP and public housing. These programs gave me a shot at the American Dream, and I won't stop fighting to protect them for the next generation."

Congressman Krishnamoorthi voted against the Republican budget resolution last week and pledged to continue fighting it in the House. He also called out Republican leadership for pursuing drastic cuts to safety-net programs like Medicaid and SNAP to fund tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans.

"Every Medicaid proposal being discussed or debated at the federal level will negatively impact our communities. Whether it is eliminating ACA expansion or provider taxes or implementing work requirements or per capita caps, these changes will result in eligible residents in need losing access to health care," Dr. Erik Mikaitis, Cook County Health CEO, said. "Medicaid is one of the most effective public investments we can make in the health of Americans, and I am grateful to Congressman Krishnamoorthi and our Illinois delegation for their commitment to protecting this essential program."

"Republicans in Congress are rushing massive cuts to Medicaid to pay for tax breaks that only benefit the wealthy and big corporations," Kathy Waligora, EverThrive Illinois and founding member of Protect Our Care Illinois, said. "If they are successful, health insurance will be terminated for many of the 3.4 million Illinoisans enrolled in Medicaid, including half of our kids and pregnant people. There is only one path forward for the health of our people and our communities, and Protect Our Care Illinois is standing with people across our state to send a message to Congress: Hands off of our Medicaid."