Letter to the editor: It’s fine to root out waste and fraud, but do no harm with cuts to Medicaid

With so much media coverage on federal issues right now, it’s easy to get lost in the politics. But all Texans should be concerned that the Medicaid program faces potential cuts. It’s a vital safety net for patients and the Texas economy. 

Many people believe Medicaid only benefits the patients it serves – low-income children, pregnant women and the disabled. But the program has a significant economic impact on state and local communities, too. Congress is considering billions of dollars in cuts that could be devastating to Texas.

Not only will access to health care be reduced, but the state and local communities will be left trying to fill the financial hole. These budget “reforms” are really just a burden shift, from federal to local. The cuts will leave Texas holding the bag. 

This could mean higher local taxes or funding cuts elsewhere. Peterson Health could face tough choices about the services we provide and the job opportunities we can offer. 

Waste, fraud, and abuse must be addressed in the program for long-term viability.  This can be done in a way that does not disparately impact those among us who rely on this program for their basic health needs or cause economic ripple effects in our state. 

Budget reforms must lead with a “do no harm” approach. We must protect the economic, physical and mental health of our state. We’re calling on our Congressional representatives to stand up for the health of Texas and reject dangerous cuts to Medicaid and encourage others who are so inclined to do the same.

Tim Rye 

Chief Strategic Development Officer
Peterson Health