In a fact sheet released earlier today, the White House press team reviewed budget proposals through the last decade and outlined how cuts to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicaid would impact the American people.

During a February 28 press conference in Virginia, President Biden reiterated his commitment to maintain access to health insurance coverage and Medicaid funded services. He highlighted the importance of the ACA and requirements of private insurance to cover pre-existing conditions and basic preventive care.

President Biden discussed the risk of Medicaid cuts to seniors receiving home health and home care. Invariably noting that access will decrease and waiting lists will be implemented limiting new recipients if Medicaid cuts were allowed under historical Congressional Republican proposals. He lingered on the topic of senior services and stated that approximately two thirds of all nursing home stays are funded by Medicaid and stressed adequate funding. Without adequate nursing home funding, he said, the quality of care, salaries, access, and staffing all go down. Listeners were reassured that President Biden wouldn’t sign bills that cut access or services through the ACA or Medicaid.

Our LeadingAge team was heartened by the president’s remarks and commitment to maintaining access to services through, and funding for, the Medicaid program. Our ongoing efforts in support of the Better Care Better Jobs Act and Get Real on Ratios continue as we push congress and the administration to ensure adequate funding for the workforce supporting senior services across the continuum.

Listen to the full recording.

Note: If the clip remains unedited, welcome remarks from Robin Kessler begin at 16:30; President Biden remarks begin at 21:30.