A coalition representing more than 150 Michigan-based health care providers, advocates, educators and community organizations urged Michigan’s congressional delegation Tuesday to vote against Medicaid cuts proposed by the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee, as reported by Michigan Advance.

The Protect MI Care Coalition — which includes the Michigan State Medical Society, Michigan Health and Hospital Association and the Michigan League for Public Policy — sent a letter to all 13 of Michigan’s members of Congress outlining their “deep opposition” to a spending plan as proposed by House Republicans. The proposal would slash at least $880 billion over the next 10 years from the bill that covers energy and health care, including from Medicaid. 

“These cuts would devastate Michigan’s health care system, put the lives and livelihoods of millions at risk, and reverse years of progress in improving health outcomes across our state,” the letter said.

“The proposal unveiled on May 11 would strip health care coverage from up to 512,000 Michiganders through punitive work requirements, restrict support for nursing homes and hospitals, and drain billions in federal funding from our state, especially in rural and underserved communities that already face barriers to care. Medicaid is not a luxury. It is a lifeline,” the coalition said.

Both U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Ann Arbor, and U.S. Rep. John James, R-Shelby Township, sit on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which began debate on the budget plan Tuesday.

Dingell, in her opening statement, noted 2.6 million people get their health insurance through Medicaid in Michigan, representing approximately one in four Michiganders, two in five children, three in five nursing home residents, and three in eight working age adults with disabilities. 

“To all my colleagues who say you’re cutting waste and fraud, Medicaid is 22%, more cost-effective than any private insurance plan. We have to protect…children and seniors and nursing homes and people with disabilities, and please don’t say you’re not going to hurt them, because many things in this bill are a backdoor way of doing so,” Dingell said.

James, who did not offer an opening statement, has stated in the past that Republicans are working to protect Medicaid from insolvency to “ensure those who’ve rightfully paid into their benefits and our most vulnerable can access these essential programs.”

These proposed cuts are unacceptable, and our representatives need to hear how strongly opposed we are to them. We should all raising our voices in opposition to this, as it will negatively affect many of our families, friends and neighbors. Take a look at the numbers listed below, and give your representative a call. This is not OK.