Proposed cuts to Medicaid advancing in Congress threaten the wellbeing of millions of vulnerable Americans. We have a critical opportunity to raise our voices and share our values and experiences that shed light on the valuable role Medicaid fills. Proposed cuts would have far-reaching impact, potentially hampering the work of our ministries that serve low-income children, seniors and individuals with disabilities. ELCA social teaching emphasizes both fiscal responsibility and moral obligation (see ELCA social statement Sufficient, Sustainable Livelihood for All). These principles can work together to strengthen our healthcare system while responsibly stewarding taxpayer resources.
“We of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America have an enduring commitment to work for and support health care for all people as a shared endeavor. Our commitment comes in grateful response to God’s saving love in Jesus Christ that frees us to love and seek the wellbeing of our neighbor.” – ELCA Social Statement Caring for Health: Our Shared Endeavor.
UNDERSTANDING THE PROPOSED CHANGES
Among a menu of cuts that could be introduced in the 119th Congress as soon as this spring, the most concerning proposals include:
- Converting Medicaid to a block grant system. Under block grants, federal funding would be capped, with states receiving only a fixed amount of federal Medicaid funding, irrespective of states’ actual costs. This would potentially lead to reduced coverage and benefits, increased state taxes, or reduced funding for schools and local services as states search for alternative ways to fund the program.
- Giving states broader authority to cut benefits and restrict eligibility.
- Expanding existing work requirements for vulnerable populations.
- Lowering reimbursement rates for targeted groups, such as children and pregnant mothers, triggering immediate cuts to families in nine states and potentially more.
For detailed analysis of these proposals, we encourage you to review resources from:
- “Medicaid: An Overview” from the Congressional Research Service
- “2025 Budget Stakes: Millions Could Lose Health Coverage or See Costs Rise” from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
- “Medicaid and Work” from the Kaiser Family Foundation
- ELCA social statement Caring for Our Health, Our Shared Endeavor
URGENT CONCERN ABOUT PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION ACTIVITY
Deeply troubling reports indicate that new Administration officials may be accessing Medicaid databases without proper authorization. This raises serious concerns for individuals and organizations such as Lutheran social ministry service providers, including:
- Potential freezing of vital funding to states and beneficiaries.
- Compromise of sensitive beneficiary information.
- Violation of established procedures for database access and constitutionality.
- Disruption of healthcare delivery for millions of Americans for whom the support is essential.
OUR ACTIONS AS PEOPLE OF FAITH MATTER
1. Use the Partner Action Alert to contact your elected official. 
Please consider taking action on an advocacy alert from the ELCA’s social ministry partner, Lutheran Services in America (LSA), on the vitality of Medicaid.
- Go directly to the LSA Advocacy Alert, “Urge Your Lawmakers to Protect Medicaid and Oppose Cuts and Caps,” here, or select it from ELCA.org/advocacy/actioncenter.
The LSA network reaches one in 50 people in America each year, and it brings the collective power of its national network and strategic partners together in new ways to advance innovation and achieve a healthier, more equitable future for all people in America.
2. Attend the upcoming ELCA Advocacy webinar, “Understanding Medicaid Cuts: A Lutheran Response,” for updates.
Registration will open soon for a Thu., March 6 webinar with key leaders from the Lutheran community. Watch socials @ELCAadvocacy and our ELCA Advocacy Connections e-news for the link.
3. Coalition Action Opposing Harmful Medicaid Cuts.
Our ELCA advocacy team and partners are working together to make our elected officials aware of the impacts of proposed Medicaid cuts. In addition to your letters and local efforts, an opportunity is being organized for your social ministry or congregation to sign together a letter to members of Congress. As details finalize, look for announcements in the ELCA Advocacy Connections e-news.
4. Directly Connect with your Elected Official
Consider inviting your member of Congress to your congregation or social ministry to discuss or illustrate the impacts Medicaid will have on your ministries and your community. Guidance in the “Virtual Visits” guide among ELCA resources will help you get prepared.
IMPORTANT TIME TO ACT
In our households, communities and ministries, we know many of us will face serious consequences of changes to federal Medicaid policy. It is an important time to act. Together, we can make a difference in protecting this vital program.
For more information or assistance with any of these action items, please contact our advocacy team at washingtonoffice@elca.org.
