BY KATHRYN RUSCITTO, ADVISOR
I will not debate the politics behind the recent health care cuts, but I will share my concerns about their impacts.
The loss of Medicaid access for children and families, reductions in subsidies for those buying insurance on the public exchange, and cuts to programs that support families will be dramatic.
Rural communities, in particular, may see hospitals and outreach clinics close, with providers consolidating into larger hubs. Larger health systems, already strained by COVID and workforce challenges, may also struggle to survive.
Communities must begin planning for these impacts. Providers and planners are starting to analyze consequences and explore alternatives. In the North Country, a coalition of physicians and nonprofits has already published a white paper outlining local concerns. At the state level, groups like HANYS and HCA have issued urgent calls to action.
While some rollbacks may emerge in future negotiations, most of these cuts are likely to remain. The result: more uninsured individuals, delayed care, reduced access, and community program closures.
A small bright spot is the creative thinking now emerging. Some foundations are reassessing grantmaking and considering increased support. But no philanthropy can fully offset the scale of these cuts. Has your practice considered the impact— and the opportunities to collaborate on solutions?
National Resources
• American Hospital Association (AHA) – Advocates for hospital viability and national policy solutions. https://www.aha.org/
• Alliance for Health Policy – Provides nonpartisan analysis on health coverage issues. https://www.allhealthpolicy.org/
• Brookings Center for Health Policy – Develops research-based recommendations on health reform. https://www.brookings.edu/centers/center-on-health-policy/ New York State Resources
• Health Care for All New York (HCFANY) – Grassroots coalition advocating for affordable, quality care. https://hcfany.org/
• Medicaid Matters New York – Statewide group defending Medicaid and raising awareness about cuts. https://medicaidmattersny.org/
• Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS) – Represents hospitals and health systems in Albany and beyond. https://www.hanys.org/
Kathryn Ruscitto, Advisor, can be reached at linkedin.com/in/kathrynruscitto or at krusct@gmail.com