Proposed Cuts to Medicaid Could Mean Proposed Cuts to Sexual and Reproductive Health

Medicaid, the United States’ largest public health insurance program, currently insures over 72 million people with low incomes. Medicaid covers a host of health needs, including those related to sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Madeline Morcelle, Senior Attorney at the National Health Law Program (NHeLP) and co-chair of the National Coalition for Gender Justice in Health Policy, sits down to talk with us about how Medicaid is indispensable for SRH coverage and how recent proposed cuts would impact those who are enrolled.Medicaid plays an essential role in securing SRH for those with low incomes and other underserved communities, including Black, indigenous, and other people of color, people with disabilities, women and LGBTQI+ people, young people, and people with limited English proficiency. States are required to cover family planning services and supplies, pregnancy-related care, and abortion within the Hyde Amendment’s exceptions. The House recently passed a budget resolution that requires at least a minimum of $880 billion in budgetary cuts from the Energy and Commerce Committee—who’s vast majority of financial jurisdiction is centered in Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Assuredly, proposed cuts would cause states to limit eligibility for Medicaid insurance and impact million’s access to SRH care. For more information, check out When Science Finds a Way: https://wellcome.org/insights/podcastSupport the showFollow Us on Social: Twitter: @rePROsFightBack Instagram: @reprosfbFacebook: rePROs Fight Back Bluesky: @reprosfightback.bsky.socialBuy rePROs Merch: Bonfire store Email us: [email protected] and Review on Apple PodcastThanks for listening & keep fighting back!