As lawmakers consider drastic cuts to the House Energy and Commerce Committee budget, Hillsdale Hospital is calling for immediate action to protect Medicaid, an essential program providing critical healthcare services to more than 2.6 million Michigan residents, including thousands within Hillsdale.
Medicaid has saved lives across every stage of life, kept hospitals open, and strengthened the overall well-being of individuals and families in our community. Any funding reductions would have devastating consequences for patients, providers and local economies.
“As guardians of exceptional health services for our community, Hillsdale Hospital is extremely concerned with this budget resolution,” Hodshire said. “We encourage our community to express their concern to help us protect the health of our families and nation.”
Medicaid coverage not only improves health outcomes but also supports economic stability by helping enrollees maintain or find employment and reducing medical debt. One of Michigan’s Medicaid programs, the expansion known as the Healthy Michigan Plan, has been a resounding success, lowering the state’s uninsured rate and contributing to financial security for families. Additionally, Medicaid funding is critical to sustaining Michigan’s healthcare workforce, the largest private-sector employer in the state.
However, proposed federal cuts to Medicaid—through mechanisms like block grants, per capita caps and reduced federal matching rates—could create a $1.73 billion shortfall in Michigan’s budget. Such cuts would jeopardize access to healthcare for millions across the state. There are 970,000 children who rely on Medicaid for essential care, and over 11,000 residents in Hillsdale on Medicaid. However, the impact of funding cuts would not be limited to those enrolled in Medicaid, because the proposed budget would lead to hundreds of hospital closures throughout the country, leaving millions without necessary healthcare.
“Hillsdale County, along with every other rural community in America, needs access to healthcare,” Hodshire said. “When legislation like this is approved, it has detrimental results on the people of this country. Now is the time to unite and lift our voices together in opposition against this harmful budget action.”
As Medicaid continues to be a lifeline for Michigan residents, Hillsdale Hospital urges residents to support their call to state and federal lawmakers to reject any funding cuts that would destabilize healthcare access and affordability. Protecting Medicaid is vital to ensuring that all Michiganders can receive the care they need while preserving jobs and sustaining local economies.
