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Trump administration begins sweeping layoffs with probationary workers, warns of larger cuts to come; NYC music school teachers strike after union negotiations break down; Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month; Health experts recommend sunshine, socializing to cure 'winter blues.'

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Federal workers tasked with securing elections from foreign interference are placed on leave, parents' organizations reject dismantling Dept. of Education, and the Congressional Black Caucus presses discussions on slavery reparations.

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Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

TX Medicaid recipients could be facing cuts

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Tuesday, January 21, 2025   

A study by the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families showed most people who live in small towns and rural areas use Medicaid for health care coverage.

Texas has the highest uninsured rate in the nation and is one of a handful of states to have not expanded Medicaid coverage to assist in covering adults. Congress is now considering cuts to Medicaid.

Graciela Camerena, program manager for the Rio Grande Valley office of the Children's Defense Fund, said if the cuts are made, it will only make things worse for families who are already struggling.

"It doesn't mean, 'Oh, families will just find another way.' There is no other way," Camerena asserted. "There are scarce resources. Medicaid is kind of the one thing that we have been able to depend on."

She pointed out adults in low-income households already grapple with giving children necessities and health care should not be added to the list.

Camerena added if cuts are made, the effects will trickle down to Texans who are not Medicaid recipients.

"Maybe they are able to pay out of pocket," Camerena acknowledged. "But where will they go if some of these providers -- if the majority of their reimbursement comes from Medicaid -- and they have to shut down, it will affect everyone in those communities."

Joan Alker, executive director of the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families, said some proposals being floated by Congressional Republicans call for reducing Medicaid funding by nearly $2.5 trillion. She noted the public might be caught off guard because the cuts were not discussed on the campaign trail last fall.

"There was complete silence about it, despite the fact that it is the largest source of public coverage by far in the United States," Alker observed. "It's also a very popular program with the voters of all political stripes."

Disclosure: The Georgetown University Center for Children and Families contributes to our fund for reporting on Children's Issues, and Health Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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