DGA Statement on Speaker Ryan’s Medicaid Proposal

DGA Statement on Speaker Ryan’s Medicaid Proposal

Today, Democratic Governors Association Chair Gov. Dan Malloy (D-CT) and Vice Chair Gov. Jay Inslee (D-WA) released the following joint statement on the state impact of House Speaker Paul Ryan’s Medicaid proposal:

“Speaker Ryan’s proposal would take health care away from the most vulnerable Americans and represent an enormous step backwards for America’s working families. Today, per-beneficiary costs in Medicaid are below those on private insurance plans, and the program provides essential health coverage in every state. But the Speaker’s plan would shift costs to states, forcing states to severely cut health care or to cut other vital services like education funding. 

“Across the country, Democratic and Republican governors have enabled millions of Americans to access affordable health care, by expanding Medicaid. The percentage of Americans without health coverage is now at the lowest level in history. Medicaid has played a critical role in that success. 

“Speaker Ryan’s per-capita cap Medicaid proposal is nothing but a thinly veiled attempt by Congress to pass the buck to the states on Medicaid. Congress should instead work with states to expand affordable health coverage and to address important health issues facing our country.” 

###