Luján: Senate Republican Bill Will Strip Health Care From Millions of Americans, Force Rural Hospital Closures

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Finance, issued the following statement on Senate Republicans’ reconciliation bill text:

“Senate Republicans unveiled their reconciliation bill – and it’s even more extreme than the House version. It would make the largest cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act in history, ripping health care away from Americans, forcing rural hospitals to close, and abandoning the providers who care for our communities.

“In New Mexico, more than 800,000 people – including children, seniors, people with disabilities, and families – rely on Medicaid. This bill would kick millions of Americans off their coverage just to give handouts to the wealthiest individuals and corporate interests.

“Most people on Medicaid already work or care for loved ones. If Senate Republicans were serious about improving the program, they’d work with Senate Democrats to strengthen it. I’ll fight this bill every step of the way to protect New Mexicans who can’t afford to lose their care.”

Last week, Senator Luján joined Senate Finance Committee Democrats at a press conference to announce the HCBS Relief Act and a series of additional proposals to invest in the Medicaid program and boost federal anti-fraud initiatives.

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