Medicaid Cuts Will Save—Not Kill—Americans

 The article by Deane Waldman, M. D., and Vance Ginn discusses the impact of proposed cuts to Medicaid, arguing that these changes are necessary to restore its original intent and improve access to care for the most vulnerable Americans.

1. Trust Issues from COVID-19: The authors reference a loss of trust in expert opinions after the COVID-19 response, suggesting that previous government strategies led to significant negative consequences for Americans.

2. Misconceptions About Medicaid Cuts: There is widespread concern that cutting Medicaid will lead to increased deaths, particularly expressed by some lawmakers. The authors assert that this is a misleading narrative.

3. Medicaid's Original Purpose: Established in 1965, Medicaid was intended as a safety net for low-income families, the elderly, and those with disabilities. However, eligibility expansions have diluted its effectiveness.

4. Impact of Recent Enrollment Policies: The COVID-19 pandemic led to a surge in Medicaid enrollment, including many who are not truly in need of assistance, which strains the system and impacts access for vulnerable populations.

5. Access to Care Deterioration: The authors cite data showing increased wait times for primary care appointments and a decline in the number of doctors accepting new Medicaid patients as evidence of a failing system, leading to prolonged wait periods for care.

6. Proposal for Reform: To improve the situation, eligibility reviews should be reinstated, focusing enrollment on those who truly need it. This would likely result in improved access to care for the most vulnerable individuals.

7. Administrative Waste: The article emphasizes that a significant portion of healthcare spending is wasted on bureaucracy rather than direct patient care. Reducing this waste could allow more resources to reach patients and providers.

8. Call for Structural Reform: The authors advocate for important changes, such as spending caps and flexible funding options, to better serve the medically vulnerable while improving the efficiency of healthcare delivery.

The authors conclude that the proposed Medicaid reforms are essential for saving lives by improving care access and quality, countering claims that cuts would be catastrophic. They believe that past experiences have shown the importance of reforming Medicaid to better serve those who genuinely need it. 

https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2025/05/medicaid_cuts_will_save_not_kill_americans.html