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WASHINGTON:
MEDICAID CUTS HURT ALL CITIZENS
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Washington |
HARRISBURG, June 24
– State Senator LeAnna M. Washington
(D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) joined a chorus
of voices decrying the Medicaid cuts at the
State Capitol recently.
“If money can be found for gaming, sports
stadiums, and other luxuries, then we should
be able to find money to protect women, and
children, and the homeless, and the
indigent,” Washington said. “We need to
protect those in our society who need help.”
Washington joined a statewide
coalition of women’s groups at a press
conference in opposition to the proposed
Medicaid cuts. She vowed to work vigorously
to find the necessary funds to make up the
difference. A $380 million reduction has
been proposed for Medicaid funding as a
result of cuts in federal spending for the
program.
Washington added that there could
be other unintended economic consequences of
the Medicaid shortfall. She said the result
could spell increased health care costs for
everyone, including added strain on
hospitals.
“Who knows what this could mean,” Washington
added. “We don’t want to see hospital
closings and lay-offs. What are we going to
say to women who need these services?”
“Are we going to close the door on women who
have chronic diseases and need
prescriptions? Are we going to close the
door on victims of domestic violence and
sexual assault? What will we say to women
working at low-wage jobs who are trying
desperately to keep their families safe and
secure? We will not say no to these women,”
Washington concluded. |
