Rural Healthcare Under Threat from Medicaid and ACA Cuts

Congress is considering significant cuts to funding for the Medicaid program, as well as cuts to benefits in the Affordable Care Act that could impact many rural Americans.  Don Hannaford, vice president for public policy at Rural Minds, which he describes as a nonprofit with the vision of a rural America with no more silence, suffering, or stigma surrounding mental illness, said rural Americans may have reason to be concerned about the potential cuts in healthcare services that could be on the horizon.

“There's a mental health emergency in rural America today and Medicaid is the backbone of mental health and addiction care in the U.S., and many rural Americans rely on both Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act Marketplace tax benefits for their healthcare and the cuts that are being talked about in Congress are a significant challenge to healthcare for some people who already hold the responsibility of feeding our country and the world,” Hannaford said.

Rural America Already Faces Several Health Challenges

Hannaford understands that these potential cuts may only add stress to the inherent challenges of living  and working in rural America.

“Rural America already has limited health resources," he said.  "Getting or keeping their coverage can be a huge additional mental health stressor and Medicaid benefits are essential for many people in rural America, and for those who can enter an ACA marketplace, the tax benefits that could expire at the end of this year are crucial for being able to maintain or even get their mental health coverage."

Hannaford added rural residents already get the short end of the healthcare stick, with fewer doctors, and fewer yet with mental health experience, as well as geographical distance from healthcare sites and spotty or nonexistent telehealth capabilities.

Make Sure Your Voice Is Heard About Rural Health Concerns

“Rural Minds encourages everybody in rural America to make their voices heard. You can contact your senators and congressmen to encourage both the administration and all of Congress, to consider the needs of all Americans when addressing funding for Medicaid and the ACA marketplace tax benefits."

Hannaford said if you want more information, farmers are encouraged to visit their website, RuralMinds.org.

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