Casey slams plan for Medicaid cut
Democratic Sen. Bob Casey criticized the House-passed American Health Care Act Thursday, saying the resulting reduction of Medicaid funding would be a “totally unnecessary cut” that would “change American life in a very devastating fashion.”
“Medicaid is a program I am going to defend with everything I have,” he said.
Casey, an outspoken opponent of the American Health Care Act, hosted a conference call with Mark DiRocco, executive director of the state Association of School Administrators, to highlight how the proposed $880 billion cut to Medicaid would affect students and school districts.
Through the ACCESS program, schools across the commonwealth use Medicaid to provide services for some children in special education, including screenings, therapies, assistive devices and support staff.
“Support that allows students throughout the districts to flourish and realize their God-given potential,” said Casey.
In 2014, the federal share of Medicaid funding for the state program was about $143 million.
The School Superintendents Association said school leaders are worried that students in special education programs will be hurt if a 30 percent Medicaid reduction occurs. In Pennsylvania, a 30 percent cut would translate into more than $40.3 million in losses to schools.
Casey said the state would be burdened to cover the costs, leading to higher taxes and reduced services for children.
“No parent should have to worry that their child won’t get the support they need,” he said.
General education services could be slashed to make up for Medicaid funding, according to DiRocco.
“That’s not a scenario anyone wants to see,” he said. “Why the federal government would want to start to take away these foundations and support from these kids is beyond me.”
Children account for 46 percent of the Medicaid benefit in Pennsylvania, which was among 30 states that expanded Medicaid under the Obama-era Affordable Care Act.
“This backdoor cut to public education and kids who need these services could be devastating,” said DiRocco.
Casey expects a Senate vote before the July 4 break.
“I think it’s important to have a good, long debate about this,” said Casey. “If they have an idea that is so positive, why not subject it to the light of day and scrutiny … and have some hearings?”