West Virginians For Affordable Health Care Concerned About Freeze on Federal Aid

(CHARLESTON, WV) – West Virginians for Affordable Health Care (WVAHC)  continues to interpret the pause placed on federal financial assistance programs, as the memo issued to agencies by the White House Office of Management and Budget late Monday is short on details.

 

“While Medicaid payments are reportedly exempt from the pause, questions remain about potential indirect effects at the state level,” said Ellen Allen, executive director of West Virginians for Affordable Health Care. “Medicaid supports over 70 million Americans and is a critical source of healthcare funding.”

 

The order places a pause on all federal grants and loans; however, the memo’s broad language leaves WVAHC questioning whether it halts Medicaid and nutrition programs for school children, as there are conflicting reports about the impact on Medicaid, with portals in all 50 states currently being down.

 

“Medicaid is an essential pillar of West Virginia’s healthcare system,” said Allen. “516,500 of our friends, family members and neighbors are covered by Medicaid – that includes 49,000 seniors, 196,000 children and 86,000 people with disabilities. It also helps fund rural hospitals, as well as being the single largest payer for long-term care, maternity care, and mental health services.”

 

A footnote to the memo exempted Medicare, Social Security benefits and assistance provided directly to individuals, but gives few other clues as to what it covered or didn’t cover.

 

The temporary pause becomes effective Tuesday at 5:00pm.