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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.

Report: Medicaid plays crucial role in rural Arizona

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Wednesday, January 22, 2025   

Rural Arizonans, especially children, are more likely to rely on Medicaid for health coverage compared to people in metro areas, according to a new report.

They would have the most to lose if federal funding is cut. The Georgetown University Center for Children and Families reported more than half of children living in rural areas are covered by Medicaid, along with more than one-third of adults.

January Contreras, executive director of the Children's Action Alliance, said the conversations in Washington, D.C., about possible cuts to Medicaid seem "disconnected" from what is happening on the ground in Arizona.

"What will happen if coverage for hundreds of thousands of people is taken away is, there will be more uncompensated care," Contreras pointed out. "People will continue to need emergency rooms, they'll continue to need health care services - and those costs will shift to others in the health care system."

Contreras noted when federal funds are allocated for transportation, it is seen as an investment in critical infrastructure. She contended Medicaid dollars should be viewed the same way. But in Congress, House Republicans are considering hefty cuts to the program as part of deficit reductions of over $5 trillion.

Major cuts would force states to raise new revenue, trim the Medicaid rolls or cover fewer health services, according to KFF. Contreras called Medicaid dollars "a lifeline" for Arizona's health care sector. She noted it is a growing industry in the state, with some of the best-paying jobs, so cuts would jeopardize local economies.

"We will see the impacts across the board," Contreras predicted. "We will see hospitals experiencing painful times; we will see not only less jobs being available, but possibly jobs being lost. And that's all on top of the pain that people will experience."

Joan Alker, executive director of the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families, said some proposals call for Medicaid reductions of nearly $2.5 trillion. She described it as "horrifying," especially since the program was not a big issue 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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