Tucson Standard

U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani is intensifying efforts to safeguard Medicaid. He has sent a letter to House Republican leadership, supported by 12 other colleagues, stating that they "cannot and will not" support any legislation reducing Medicaid coverage for those in need.

"Efficiency and transparency must be prioritized for program beneficiaries, hospitals, and states," the lawmakers stated. "We support targeted reforms to improve program integrity, reduce improper payments, and modernize delivery systems to fix flaws in the program that divert resources away from children, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and pregnant women – those who the program was intended to help. However, we cannot and will not support a final reconciliation bill that includes any reduction in Medicaid coverage for vulnerable populations."

The letter, dated April 14, demonstrates Ciscomani's commitment to ensuring Medicaid remains available to the 104,212 constituents in Arizona's 6th Congressional District. Earlier, in February, Ciscomani, along with the Congressional Hispanic Conference, addressed Speaker Mike Johnson highlighting the consequences of cutting Medicaid, especially in rural and predominantly Hispanic communities where healthcare institutions are already struggling.

Ciscomani has also reintroduced the Ensuring Access to Medicaid Buy-In Program Act (H.R. 1598), which proposes removing the age cap for Medicaid buy-in programs, allowing working adults with disabilities over the age of 65 to continue working while receiving Medicaid benefits.

The recent letter was authored by Congressman David Valadao (CA-22), with co-signers including Ciscomani and Reps. Don Bacon (NE-02), Jefferson Van Drew (NJ-02), Rob Bresnahan (PA-08), Jen Kiggans (VA-02), Young Kim (CA-40), Mike Lawler (NY-17), Rob Wittman (VA-01), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Nick LaLota (NY-01), Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), and Jeff Hurd (CO-03).

The letter stresses the importance of Medicaid funding for hospitals, nursing homes, and safety-net providers, particularly in rural and underserved areas. It calls for reforms to strengthen healthcare for vulnerable populations by streamlining federal programs and addressing administrative burdens.

The letter can be read in full, addressed to Speaker Johnson, Majority Leader Scalise, Majority Whip Emmer, and Chairman Guthrie. It reaffirms commitment to maintaining Medicaid without compromising the benefits crucial for the health and economic security of its constituents.