As Republicans in Washington try to end critical health insurance subsidies — forcing thousands of Granite Staters to pay double or triple for coverage — it’s worth remembering another decision by the Trump administration and Republican-led Congress that will have an equally damaging impact on New Hampshire’s health care system.
New Hampshire has long relied on federal funds to support critical health care programs. But, as part of Trump’s Big Ugly Bill, which extended tax breaks to billionaires, Republicans in Washington have made substantial cuts to the amount of federal funds that come back to the states to match provider taxes and support hospitals and other community providers.
In New Hampshire, we stand to lose $300 million a year — funds that currently support Medicaid and help our health care system deliver the care Granite Staters need and deserve.
Medicaid covers over 180,000 Granite Staters — including nearly 115,000 low-income children, disabled adults and elderly residents — and underpins our entire health care system. When Medicaid is cut, more people go uninsured and turn to emergency rooms for care, leading to overcrowded ERs, longer waits and worse outcomes for everyone.
These enormous cuts to Medicaid also put at risk the sustainability of New Hampshire’s rural hospitals, which not only provide essential care to communities across the state, but serve as some of our largest employers. Rural hospitals also are key to the sustainability of other businesses in our small towns.
Trump’s $300 million a year cuts from our state’s hospitals, community health centers, mental health centers, doctors and substance use disorder providers will be catastrophic for Granite Staters. This huge financial hit is unsustainable for our health care system. We risk closure of hospitals and other providers, making access to care harder — and more expensive — for everyone, not just Medicaid enrollees.
Republicans in Concord talk a big game about “expanding health care access,” especially in our rural communities, but their actions tell a different story. Kelly Ayotte’s Republican allies in the State House and Senate passed a budget earlier this year that slashed proven health care programs, raising costs for families already stretched thin as prices for groceries, housing and childcare climb. Just like their counterparts in Washington, they talk about helping working people while voting to protect the ultrawealthy.
The health of New Hampshire residents is at risk just so Republicans could give tax breaks to billionaires. I am calling on Governor Ayotte to advocate for the health of her people and tell Trump, his administration and Congress to overturn these cruel cuts to our children, frail elderly and persons with disabilities.