CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE SLAMS TRUMP’S PROPOSED $900 BILLION CUT TO MEDICAID

(Rochester, N.Y.)—Today, Congressman Joe Morelle joined community members to condemn President Trump’s proposed $880 billion cut to Medicaid, warning that it would have severe consequences for millions of New Yorkers, including a significant number of seniors in Rochester.

“Medicaid is a lifeline for millions of Americans—including hundreds of thousands of Rochester’s children, adults, and seniors—ensuring they receive the care they need at an affordable cost,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “Unfortunately, President Trump and House Republicans are willing to gut this essential program, stripping healthcare from our most vulnerable neighbors. This isn’t just a policy debate—it’s about real people and families who rely on Medicaid to survive. I will continue fighting to protect this vital program and oppose any effort to undermine the health and well-being of our community.”

Susan Less, a Rochester resident whose mother is a Medicaid recipient, said: "Medicaid has been a lifesaver for our family, covering my mom’s prescriptions, transportation to medical appointments, and the nursing home care she depends on. Without it, the cost of her medications alone would be a severe financial hardship, and losing Medicaid funding would mean losing her home, her community, and the activities that keep her engaged. I worry not just for her, but for all those who rely on Medicaid to maintain their health, stability, and quality of life."

Yolanda Rumph, also a Rochester resident whose mother is a Medicaid recipient, said: “I am so grateful that my mom has Medicaid.  It is key for her survival medically as Medicaid covers the high costs of her prescriptions and medical care coverage.  Being that she is on a fixed income since retirement without Medicaid she would not be able to cover the costs of housing, utilities, and medical coverage.  Medicaid is essential to her survival.”

In February, House Republicans approved a budget resolution aiming to reduce federal spending by $1.7 trillion over the next decade. A significant portion of these cuts, $880 billion, is assigned to the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees programs like Medicaid. These proposed cuts would significantly reduce funding, raising concerns about millions of low-income Americans losing access to healthcare.

The cuts would also disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, particularly in high Medicaid enrollment states like New York. Nearly 5.5 million New Yorkers—29% of the state’s population—rely on Medicaid. In our community alone, over 255,000 people are enrolled in Medicaid, including over 21,000 seniors and 76,500 children.

​Medicaid, a joint federal and state program, currently provides health coverage to over 72 million Americans, including low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities.

To learn more about Congressman Morelle’s work protecting programs like Medicaid and working to ensure high-quality, affordable healthcare is available for everyone, visit his website here.

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