GOP senator justifies Medicaid modifications during town hall, asserting: "Eventually, we're all going to kick the bucket"
GOP Senator Joni Ernst addressed concerns over proposed cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during a town hall meeting on Friday. The changes, part of President Trump's domestic policy bill, could potentially affect local economies and lead to job losses, an attendee expressed.
Ernst maintained that ineligible recipients, such as those residing illegally or not qualifying under current law, would be removed from the programs. In response to an audience member shouting, "People will die," Ernst responded, "People are not - Well, we all are going to die."
The proposed bill is set to slash nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid and food stamps, according to a related article. Ernst argued that the changes aimed to improve the program's integrity, focusing on assisting vulnerable individuals and ensuring they remain eligible.
Several GOP senators have expressed concern about their constituents losing health coverage due to changes in Medicaid eligibility. The Senate is expected to revise the House-passed bill when lawmakers return to Washington. Ernst emphasized that some Medicaid recipients might no longer receive benefits if they are not currently eligible. However, she contended that this move would not leave them without assistance, as they would be shifted to other benefit programs.
At the town hall, Ernst experienced vocal opposition to the proposed Medicaid adjustments, particularly the institute of work requirements for some recipients. The bill would also substantially decrease federal support for Medicaid, potentially leading to millions losing coverage. Facing calls to explain her stance, Ernst defended her approach, stating that she aimed to safeguard the benefits of eligible Americans while eliminating waste and abuse.
In a statement issued in response to the exchange, a spokesperson for Ernst stated that while Democrats emphasize fears over Medicaid reform, Ernst was focused on improving the lives of Iowans by protecting their benefits from waste, fraud, and abuse. The bill, if passed, could significantly decrease access to Medicaid and SNAP benefits for millions of Americans, potentially increasing hardship for those relying on these programs for health care and nutrition.
- Senator Joni Ernst is concerned about proposed changes in policy-and-legislation that could affect health-and-wellness programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
- During a town hall meeting, Ernst argued that the proposed bill, aimed at improving the program's integrity, would remove ineligible recipients from these programs such as those residing illegally or not qualifying under current law.
- The general-news reporting about the bill suggests that it could lead to millions losing access to Medicaid and SNAP benefits, raising concerns in the realm of politics about constituents potentially losing health coverage due to changes in Medicaid eligibility.
