Today, Congress approved a budget bill that includes $1 trillion in cuts to federal health care spending and will cause nearly 12 million Americans to lose health coverage over the next ten years.  

The human toll these cuts will have is incalculable. With more people left uninsured, we will see more patients going without necessary medical care, unmanaged chronic health conditions, increased strain on emergency departments and safety net health care providers and devastating preventable illness and death.   

Cook County Health is preparing for the compounding effects of an increase in uninsured patients, growing demand for care, and decreased financial resources. The establishment of federal work rules alone will cause thousands of Cook County residents to lose coverage, mostly because of additional cumbersome paperwork, not due to ineligibility. Most individuals with Medicaid coverage who can work, do work. We estimate the health system will lose $88 million annually in Medicaid reimbursement as patients lose insurance due to work requirements.  

This legislation cuts essential health and social service programs to fund tax breaks for the wealthiest individuals in this country. It does not reflect the values we strive for as a nation.  

Medicaid is a hand-up, not a handout. Having access to medical care helps people stay healthy so they can care for their families, contribute to the economy, and live full and productive lives. We should be improving access to care, not adding barriers.  

I share the sentiments of so many Americans who are sadly watching the dismantling of our nation’s health and social safety net. We are frustrated and concerned, but we are not powerless. Our work is more essential than ever before. Cook County Health will continue to provide compassionate health care and services to those we serve, and we reaffirm our mission to care for all, regardless of ability to pay.  

– Dr. Erik Mikaitis, CEO, Cook County Health