Democrats have already vowed to fight a proposal by the Trump administration that would allow states to receive a fixed amount of Medicaid funding for select adult beneficiaries. However, they may not make much headway.
Because the Senate is under Republican control, lawmakers likely will have limited options to pass legislation that would stop the proposal, The Hill reported. The nursing home field has voiced clear opposition to the Trump administration’s proposal.
Democratic leaders are planning to vote on a resolution next week that would “disapprove of the block grant plan,” the report stated, noting that any tougher measures could risk the passage of other bipartisan health efforts.
“After being stopped in the Congress from repealing the healthcare law and destroying the lifeline of Medicaid, the Trump administration has decided to ignore the law and steal lifesaving health care from seniors and families anyway,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said following the announcement.
“The administration’s actions are illegal,” Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) echoed. “We will fight the administration’s attempt to weaken Medicaid and protect the healthcare and support of those who depend on it.”
The Trump administration announced its new “Healthy Adult Opportunity” program and guidance last week. The optional program allows participating states to receive a block grant for a specific population enrolled in Medicaid — adults under the age of 65 who aren’t eligible for Medicaid on the basis of disability or who aren’t eligible under a state plan.
Long-term care providers universally have opposed the proposal, citing concerns that it could make it harder for providers to receive Medicaid funding.
