Republican budget proposal would enact devastating cuts to Medicaid for Rhode Islanders
PROVIDENCE, RI – Today, Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse joined Congressmen Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo at Butler Hospital along with key medical professionals and advocacy groups to emphasize how Republican-proposed cuts to Medicaid will harm Rhode Islanders seeking behavioral and mental health care, as well as the providers who serve them.
“Taking health care away from people as Trump and the Republicans are talking about makes zero sense. More than 306,000 Rhode Islanders rely on Medicaid. Republicans’ proposal to cut Medicaid so they can give more tax breaks to billionaires is a betrayal that would shift costs to families, states, and health systems that can least afford it,” said Senator Reed.
“Thanks to Medicaid, Rhode Islanders are able to get the mental health care and addiction treatment they need to lead productive, healthy lives,” said Senator Whitehouse, a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction over Medicaid. “As Republicans actively work to take away health care from millions of Americans, our delegation will fight to preserve Medicaid.”
“Right now, mental health care is under attack, with Trump, Musk, and House Republicans pushing reckless Medicaid cuts that could force hospitals to scale back services—just to fund tax breaks for billionaires,” said Congressman Magaziner. “Everyone deserves access to quality mental and behavioral health care, and Medicaid is key to making that possible. We’re fighting to protect it by any means necessary so Rhode Islanders can get the care they need.”
“If Republicans get their wish of cutting $880 billion from Medicaid, the harm would be astronomical. It would widen already large gaps in coverage and put those struggling with mental health and substance use disorders at even greater risk,” said Congressman Amo, a member of the House Committee on the Budget. “Cuts to Medicaid will be felt everywhere. It will stress the availability of health services for everyone — including hospital systems, providers, community health centers, and school health programs who are already facing challenges.”
“Medicaid is the backbone of behavioral healthcare in Rhode Island, ensuring that thousands of individuals and families have access to critical mental health and substance use disorder services at hospitals and facilities with expertise and specialized training. Proposed cuts to Medicaid would have a devastating impact on Butler Hospital, The Providence Center, and behavioral health providers across the state, limiting essential care for those who need it most. Care New England stands with Congressman Amo and our congressional delegation in urging the protection of Medicaid funding to safeguard the well-being of our communities and preserve access to life-saving care,” said Michael Wagner, MD, FACP, president and CEO, Care New England Health System.
“At Butler Hospital, we see firsthand how vital Medicaid is in providing access to behavioral health care for Rhode Islanders in need. Proposed cuts to Medicaid would have a devastating impact on the vulnerable patients and their families who come to our hospital for help. I applaud Congressman Amo and our congressional delegation, who are our champions in advocating for the critical funding necessary to support mental health and substance use treatment services across our state,” said Mary E. Marran, MS, OT, MBA, president and COO, Butler Hospital; Chief Administrative Officer, Care New England Health System.
“Defunding Medicaid means defunding community health centers and denying mental health services and substance use treatment to tens of thousands of Rhode Islanders. The most vulnerable among us will suffer the worst, but all of us will suffer the ripple effects of massive cuts to mental health services. It is critical that we preserve Medicaid so all Rhode Islanders can continue to access mental health services and substance use treatment,” said Paul Wallace, MD, Medical Director, The Providence Center.
“Cuts to Medicaid funding would be devastating, leaving vulnerable individuals without the crucial support they need to navigate their challenges. Imagine the impact on someone struggling with depression, an eating disorder, a bipolar condition or addiction—the loss of therapy, medication, and peer support could push them further into crisis,” said Laurie-Marie Pisciotta, Executive Director, Mental Health Association of Rhode Island. “Medicaid is not merely a government program; it’s a beacon of hope for millions. Diminishing Medicaid diminishes hope,” said Laurie Marie Pisciotta, Executive Director, Mental Health Association of Rhode Island.
BACKGROUND
On March 14, the Rhode Island delegation joined the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and Economic Progress Institute (EPI) for a virtual town hall to discuss their opposition to proposed Republican cuts to essential programs that Rhode Islanders rely on like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, and other core government services.
Medicaid is the leading program that provides comprehensive care to millions of Americans, including more than 300,000 Rhode Islanders — including adults with disabilities, nursing home residents, children, mothers and newborns, and Medicare beneficiaries. In 2023, Rhode Island received $2.17 billion in Medicaid funding — accounting for 41 percent of all federal funding delivered to the Ocean State.
The Republican budget resolution directs specific committees to achieve spending cuts or increases. Republicans’ leaked menu of options include:
- At least $880 billion in cuts for the Energy and Commerce Committee, which could target Medicaid, Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium assistance, and repeal Inflation Reduction Act policies.
- At least $330 billion in cuts for the Education and Workforce Committee, which could target student loan programs, income driven repayment, and Pell grants, Head Start, and School lunch.
- At least $230 billion in cuts for the Agriculture Committee, which could target SNAP.
- Up to $4.5 trillion in new spending for the Ways and Means Committee, which could include tax cuts for the top one percent, at the expense of average Americans.
