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By Michael Hildebrand and Allie Gross

3-minute read

Medicaid is on a short list of targets for upcoming government spending cuts, the New York Times reported this week. Proposals under consideration could cap expenditures, reduce payment rates and establish federal work requirements.

More than 86 million Americans are enrolled in Medicaid, including more than 21 million insured under the expanded program, according to KFF. The program providing healthcare coverage to low-income Americans accounts for $1 of every $6 spent on healthcare in the country.

The consequences of these changes for healthcare organizations would be staggering, and a major hit to providers who already struggle with slim margins to fund their missions. So it’s no wonder this news has some healthcare leaders’ panic levels rising.

Beyond D.C., Medicaid is also on the docket for many state lawmakers as sessions kick off this winter, meaning Medicaid financing is top of mind for healthcare leaders across the country. Several state legislatures are scrutinizing Medicaid programs – from a potential expansion effort in Mississippi, to a reauthorization of expansion vote in Montana, to proposed work requirements in Arkansas.

No matter what state you’re in, as competing interest groups push model legislation and misinformation abounds, now is the time for healthcare leaders to prepare to talk about Medicaid and reach your people with your message.

What Hospitals and Health Systems Can Do Now

  • Gather data. Understand the role Medicaid plays in your organization so that you can equip your leaders and spokespeople to tell that story. Effectively educating the public, community leaders and legislators requires that your position is backed by information. Public opinion polling for your state or community can also be helpful here: A recent KFF poll found that just 13 percent of Americans view reducing Medicaid spending as a top priority, and just 15 percent of Republicans. It’s worth knowing where voters in your state or community stand.
  • …And gather stories that probe beyond the facts and figures. Putting a face and a personal story to a complex policy issue is an excellent way to break through the noise during a very noisy time and connect people to your position. For example, the Montana Medicaid Works campaign website includes real, human stories from people around the state who have relied on Medicaid during difficult moments in their lives.
  • Join forces. Amplify your organization’s voice on this important issue by aligning with leaders, organizations and groups that share your goals and position. The most effective organizations build strong coalitions with trade groups, special interests and community and business groups.
  • Educate your stakeholders. Hospitals – and doctors and nurses in particular – continue to maintain an edge in public trust and confidence. About eight in 10 people express high levels of trust in nurses and doctors when it comes to both health information in general and developing productive healthcare policy – and those numbers have held largely steady for years. Take advantage of your credibility to be a source of clear, factual messaging for your teams, your community and your representatives.

Image Credit: Shannon Threadgill