Magaziner Highlights Healthcare Affordability Crisis During South County Hospital Visit
WAKEFIELD, RI – U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner (RI-02) today met with healthcare providers at South County Hospital to discuss the growing healthcare affordability crisis and the urgent need for Congressional action. The visit underscores Magaziner’s push for continued healthcare funding as Congress negotiates a federal budget amidst a government shutdown.
Magaziner is advocating for a reversal of nearly $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts passed earlier this year and the extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits set to expire at the end of 2023. These credits currently help over 40,000 Rhode Islanders afford coverage through HealthSource RI, and their expiration would lead to significant premium increases.
The Representative criticized recent cancellations of scheduled votes by House Speaker Mike Johnson, stating that addressing the healthcare crisis should be a priority even during the shutdown.He has also visited Kent Hospital and the Tri-County Community Action Agency to emphasize the need for Congress to return to Washington and find a solution.
“We need urgent action to lower costs, protect the health care system, and reopen the government,” said Magaziner. “Rather of addressing the healthcare affordability crisis facing Rhode Islanders, President Trump and House republicans have shut down the government and extended their vacation. I am here to hear directly from local health care providers about how medicaid cuts and the loss of critical Affordable Care Act tax credits will impact all Rhode Islanders, and call for urgent action to bring down costs.”
Aaron Robinson, President & CEO of south County Health, echoed these concerns, stating that federal policy changes, including cuts to Medicare and Medicaid, will substantially impact healthcare delivery in Rhode Island and access to care for patients.
The looming expiration of ACA tax credits, coupled with the recent Medicaid cuts – which could leave 15 million Americans without coverage – are exacerbating an already challenging situation. Magaziner stressed that these factors are contributing to a healthcare affordability crisis further complex by the ongoing government shutdown.
