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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.

Rural VA communities most affected by possible Medicaid cuts

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Thursday, January 23, 2025   

Medicaid cuts proposed by congressional lawmakers may end up affecting the most rural communities in Virginia and the country.

A new report by Georgetown University's Center for Children and Families found rural areas and small towns would be hurt the most by Medicaid cuts.

Joan Alker, executive director of the center, said some proposals being floated by congressional Republicans call for reducing Medicaid funding by nearly $2.5 trillion. She described it as "horrifying," while suggesting the public might be caught off guard because the program was 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."

Nearly 38% of Virginia children in rural areas or small towns are enrolled in Medicaid, in addition to 30% of children in metropolitan areas of the Commonwealth.

Emily Moore, senior policy analyst at Voices for Virginia's Children, said rural hospitals often rely on revenue from Medicaid to continue operating. She noted any potential cuts could affect access to health care in rural areas.

"The sheer fact that we are potentially looking at cuts from the federal level would really devastate some of our rural communities," Moore emphasized. "And certainly result in potential loss of coverage and loss of services in our rural communities."

More than 21% of all Virginians in rural areas are enrolled in Medicaid, compared with the roughly 17% of Virginians in metropolitan areas.

Some proposed changes to Medicaid include caps on the amount of money spent on each individual's health care and block grants to give states a certain amount of money for care. Moore argued the potential cuts would have ripple effects across the state.

"Without the vital funding that Medicaid brings down from the federal government, we are going to see increased health care costs for all of Virginia's taxpayers," Moore asserted. "It will be an enormous and, frankly, unsustainable pressure on our state budget."

According to the report, people in rural areas have worse health outcomes, including higher rates of infant mortality, deaths from heart disease, overdoses and mental illness.

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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