The Trump administration today announced their plan to allow states to receive Medicaid as a block grant, a move that could reduce coverage and increase costs for thousands of New Mexicans. 

Despite promising in 2015 that he’s “not going to cut Medicare or Medicaid” like “every other Republican,” Trump’s latest proposal is another in a long line of GOP attempts to institute block grants. Republicans included this same policy in their 2017 bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which failed after widespread public criticism. 

This change also specifically targets states like New Mexico, who have expanded Medicaid as part of the ACA, ensuring that less New Mexicans go without health care. More than 700,000 New Mexicans rely on Medicaid for their health insurance, and this policy could leave them with limited benefits and increased costs. 

DPNM Chair Marg Elliston released the following statement regarding the Trump administrations’ Medicaid block grant plan:

“The Trump administration has slapped a new name on a failed policy to hide the fact that this is just another attempt to cut Medicaid and reduce health care coverage for thousands of New Mexicans. The president has broken his promises on health care again and again, and now he’s supporting a policy that will leave hardworking families with worse coverage and higher health care costs. New Mexicans are tired of these attacks on our health care, and we’re ready to elect a president in 2020 who knows that health care is a human right.” 

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