Statement on Medicaid Cuts in Federal Reconciliation Package

Fairfax, VA – Allergy & Asthma Network CEO Lynda Mitchell issued the following statement regarding cuts to the Medicaid program proposed in the 2025 federal budget reconciliation bill:

Allergy & Asthma Network is deeply concerned by the proposed $716 billion cuts to Medicaid outlined in the federal reconciliation package. We fear these proposed cuts will jeopardize access to essential medical coverage for millions of people – including infants and children – who rely on this vital safety net for their asthma and allergy care.

In addition, the bill could lead to potential cuts of up to $500 billion to Medicare if Congress does not take further action to prevent them. Medicare cuts would increase the strain on federal healthcare programs that patients desperately rely on.

Medicaid covers a significant portion of the nation’s population living with asthma. Nearly half of all children with asthma receive their medical coverage through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). It serves adults at twice the rate of their counterparts on private insurance.

Medicaid is a crucial lifeline for vulnerable patients who depend on their coverage for access to medications that help them breathe. Cuts to Medicaid funding, along with the reversal of coverage protections for children (e.g., lifetime limits on coverage, lock-out periods for premium non-payments, etc.), are expected to result in between 9.7 million and 14.4 million people in Medicaid expansion states losing their health insurance coverage. The cuts will lead to reduced access to vital medications and treatments for potentially life-threatening asthma and allergy episodes.

We urge Congress to approach these cuts with a clear understanding of the serious consequences they pose for millions of Medicaid beneficiaries who rely on coverage to obtain critical treatments and services.

About Allergy & Asthma Network

Founded in 1985, Allergy & Asthma Network is the leading nonprofit outreach, education, advocacy and research organization for people and families living with allergies, asthma, and related conditions. Our mission is simple yet profound: to end needless death and suffering from these diseases, empower people to take control of their health and well-being, and make healthcare more inclusive, equitable and accessible. We specialize in making medically accurate information understandable to all while promoting evidence-based care. We are committed to raising awareness, sharing resources, fostering collaboration, and advocating for policies and research that enhance quality of life and improve health outcomes. Visit AllergyAsthmaNetwork.org.