Medicaid Cuts Threaten Long-Term Care: Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski Leads Roundtable Discussion

Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) hosted a critical roundtable conversation with local nursing homes, long-term care providers, and health care unions to address the impending Medicaid cuts in the reconciliation bill. The gathering aimed to discuss the devastating impact on long-term care, with at least 10 nursing homes in the district facing closure due to reduced Medicaid reimbursement. As part of the discussion, Budzinski highlighted the urgent need for protection of these facilities and the communities they serve.

Key Takeaways:

• The "Big, Beautiful Bill" signed into law by President Trump reduces federal Medicaid spending by over $900 billion, projected to leave 15 million Americans uninsured.
• The bill's Medicaid cuts put nearly 600 nursing homes nationwide at risk of closure.
• Over 60 percent of nursing home residents rely on Medicaid, highlighting the severe impact on access and quality of long-term care.
• Congresswoman Budzinski emphasized the critical role of long-term care providers and advocates in ensuring quality care for seniors and people with disabilities.
• The roundtable discussion aimed to foster collaboration between healthcare unions, nursing homes, and local organizations to address the Medicaid changes.
• Representatives from prominent organizations such as the Illinois Department on Aging, Affordable Assisted Living Coalition, and Advocates for Aging Care participated in the discussion.

Statistics:

• Over 60 percent of nursing home residents rely on Medicaid.
• Nearly 600 nursing homes are at risk of closure nationwide due to Medicaid cuts.
• The Medicaid cuts in the reconciliation bill are projected to leave 15 million Americans uninsured.
• The "Big, Beautiful Bill" reduces federal Medicaid spending by over $900 billion.
• At least 10 nursing homes in Congresswoman Budzinski's district face closure due to reduced Medicaid reimbursement.

Sources:

• "Budzinski Press Release Notification" by the Office of the MP Nikki Budzinski.