House Republicans' Medicaid Cuts Proposal Sparks Outrage

Strategic Insights -

United States Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) warned that the proposed $912 billion cut to the Energy and Commerce Committee budget, which would force at least 13.7 million Americans off their health insurance, would have devastating effects on Washington state's vulnerable patients and health care system. The proposal, which was unveiled last night, would cause millions of poor Americans to lose coverage and drive up co-pays. If implemented, it could cancel health coverage for 780,000 Washingtonians, including those who rely on Medicaid, also known as Apple Health in Washington state, which covers 1.9 million Washingtonians.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed cut to the Energy and Commerce Committee budget would force at least 13.7 million Americans off their health insurance, including over 780,000 Washingtonians who rely on Medicaid.
  • The proposal would cause millions of poor Americans to lose coverage and drive up co-pays, making it difficult for patients to access necessary care.
  • Medicaid, also known as Apple Health in Washington state, covers 1.9 million Washingtonians, including vulnerable patients who rely on it for life-saving care.
  • Sen. Cantwell released a series of snapshot reports highlighting the impact that Medicaid cuts would have on Washington state, including the highly-ranked long-term care system for seniors and people with disabilities.
  • In Washington state, children in Seattle's blue-collar strongholds would feel the deepest pain from Medicaid cuts, with over half of children in Burien, SeaTac, Kent, Federal Way, Auburn, Renton, and Rainier Valley depending on Medicaid.
  • A survey of 68 WA nursing homes found that 67 would cut services if Medicaid were cut by 5% or more, and 65% would consider closing.

Statistics:

  • 13.7 million Americans would be forced off their health insurance if the proposed energy and commerce committee budget is cut by $912 billion.
  • 1.9 million Washingtonians rely on Medicaid, also known as Apple Health.
  • 780,000 Washingtonians could lose health coverage if Medicaid is cut.
  • 70% of children in District 4 (Central Washington) are on Medicaid.
  • 67 out of 68 WA nursing homes would cut services if Medicaid is cut by 5% or more.
  • 65% of WA nursing homes would consider closing if Medicaid is cut by 5% or more.

Sources:

  • United States Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) statement, May 12, 2025.
  • Cantwell snapshot report, "The Impact of Medicaid Cuts on Washington State's Long-Term Care System", released May 2, 2025.
  • Cantwell snapshot report, "The Impact of Medicaid Cuts on Health Care Access in Washington State", released February 2025.
  • Cantwell snapshot report, "The Impact of Medicaid Cuts on the Puget Sound Region", released March 2025.
  • Letter from coalition of Washington state hospital leaders and Republican elected officials, opposing any cuts to Medicaid, dated April 2025.
  • Survey of 68 WA nursing homes, conducted by Sen. Cantwell's office, 2025.