07-04-2025
West Virginians have sent a clear message to lawmakers: Don't cut Medicaid
West Virginia's Medicaid program is facing a growing financial shortfall that could lead to cuts in services or eligibility. (zimmytws | Getty Images)
Last week West Virginians sent a clear message: Don't cut Medicaid.
In overwhelming numbers, families, advocates and health care providers turned out to reject House Bill 3518, and called on their legislators to reject this dangerous proposal that would have automatically eliminated the Medicaid expansion — and with it health care for 166,000 West Virginians — if federal funding for the program was reduced by even 1%.
While this bill was moved to the inactive calendar after swift public and lawmaker pushback, the fight isn't over. Medicaid remains at risk — not just at the state level, but also in ongoing federal budget negotiations in Washington, D.C.
Medicaid is a lifeline for West Virginia families, seniors, people with disabilities, low-income adults and children. Today, nearly one in three West Virginians rely on Medicaid for their health care. Cuts to the program would mean fewer doctor visits, fewer life-saving prescriptions, and more families forced to choose between paying rent and affording care. For providers, it would mean more uncompensated care, lower reimbursements, job losses and potentially even closures of medical centers.
We know what happens when funding is cut. Hospitals, especially in rural areas, suffer financially. People go without care, and preventable conditions turn into medical crises. Mental health coverage and substance use treatment, care that was inaccessible to many West Virginians without Medicaid, will become harder to reach. Hospitals and providers, already operating on thin margins, will be at greater risk of closing their doors. That's why West Virginians are speaking out, urging Sens. Shelley Moore Capito and Jim Justice, as well as Reps. Carol Miller and Riley Moore, to reject any federal budget cuts to Medicaid.
Just as HB 3518 could have ended health coverage for 166,000 people, but was described in committee as a bill that 'did nothing' unless Congress took action, West Virginians must be on alert for Medicaid cuts disguised as harmless or 'cutting waste,' but that have real consequences and shift costs onto states and families.
Work reporting requirements, reductions to federal matching rates, and other changes that impact Medicaid financing mechanisms all shift Medicaid costs onto the state budget, where state lawmakers have warned they will not fill the gap. If these changes are enacted, the loss of Medicaid funding will result in cuts to enrollment, fewer services covered, reduced reimbursements to providers, or some combination of the three.
West Virginians can't afford state or federal cuts to Medicaid. We need our congressional delegation to fight for a budget that prioritizes people — not the interests of the wealthy few. If they truly represent the interests of their constituents, they will protect Medicaid and ensure that every West Virginian, regardless of income, has access to the health care they need.
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