Pennsylvania officials warn against proposed Medicaid cuts affecting rural healthcare

Proposed Medicaid cuts in the Congressional Republicans' budget bill could significantly impact Pennsylvania's health care system, according to Shapiro Administration officials. At a recent meeting at Wayne Memorial Hospital, rural health leaders and state officials voiced their concerns about the potential consequences of these cuts on rural communities and health care providers.

"The proposed changes to the Medicaid program would have grave consequences for health care across Pennsylvania, from hospitals to individuals in both urban and rural communities," stated Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen. She emphasized that without health insurance, people might avoid preventive care and rely more on emergency services, leading to worse health outcomes and increased costs for all Pennsylvanians.

The proposed Medicaid changes could potentially remove health coverage from over 300,000 residents of Pennsylvania. This may lead to higher health care costs and threaten the viability of rural hospitals.

Additionally, the federal proposal does not extend enhanced premium tax credits available through Pennie, Pennsylvania's official health insurance marketplace. These credits have made insurance more affordable but are set to expire at the end of this year. If they do expire as scheduled, an additional 270,000 Pennsylvanians could be at risk of losing their coverage.

Key speakers at the event included Jim Pettinato from Wayne Memorial Health System, Dr. Debra Bogen from the Department of Health, Mike Humphreys as Insurance Commissioner, Sara Goulet from the Department of Human Services, Nicole Stallings from the Hospital & Healthsystem Association of PA, and Kara Poremba from Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers.