Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and his narrow GOP House majority are navigating challenges in passing President Trump’s budget, particularly due to the unpopularity of proposed Medicaid cuts among the public and some party members. A poll by KFF in April indicates that there is broad opposition to funding cuts for Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, with about 76% of the public against major Medicaid cuts.
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has analyzed that to achieve the desired savings, Republicans might need to cut the social safety net program that provides health insurance to low-income adults and people with disabilities. This possibility has prompted 12 House Republicans to send a letter to Speaker Johnson stating they would not support a budget bill that reduces Medicaid coverage for vulnerable groups.
Representative Jeff Hurd, R-Colo., one of the signatories, emphasized the importance of maintaining Medicaid’s original purpose, focusing on children, pregnant women, low-income people, and seniors. According to Colorado Public Radio, about 20% of Colorado’s population relies on Medicaid, with around a third in Hurd’s district dependent on this coverage.
Hurd suggested that savings could be achieved by addressing work requirements and eliminating improper Medicaid payments. In discussions with NPR’s Michel Martin, Hurd clarified that reforms should avoid crowding out traditional priorities of Medicaid. He noted that balancing incentivizing work and ensuring support for vulnerable populations is essential.
The letter, signed by Hurd and others, advocates for targeted reforms and cutting administrative red tape. Hurd criticized the cumbersome Medicaid application process and the significant amount of improper payments suspected by the Government Accounting Office. He argued for more efficient deployment of resources to assist those the program intends to help.
Hurd also pointed to potential savings from reforms to the Section 1115 waivers, which fund non-health care-related services. He suggested that Medicaid should concentrate on health care and that the program’s stress could be reduced with more effective spending.
The Republican coalition, which Hurd is a part of, seeks to advance the president’s priorities while ensuring protection for vulnerable constituents. Hurd’s public statement reflects a commitment to responsibly addressing budget concerns while advocating for those dependent on Medicaid in his district.
