To the Honorable Members of Michigan’s Congressional Delegation:

On behalf of Protect MI Care, a coalition of healthcare providers, advocates, and community organizations, we are writing to urge you to oppose any federal proposals that would cut or cap Medicaid funding or change the structure of the program. These changes would jeopardize the health, independence, and financial stability of all Michiganders, including the more than 2.6 million Michiganders who rely on Medicaid for essential care.

Medicaid is the backbone of Michigan’s healthcare system. It ensures access to critical services for some of the most vulnerable members of our communities, including:

• Over 1 million children who receive health coverage through Medicaid;
• Michiganders receiving cancer care and treatment, including inpatient and outpatient care and medications
• Seniors who depend on Medicaid for long-term services and supports, including nursing home care and home-based assistance;
• People with disabilities who use Medicaid to access services that help them live and work in their communities;
• Low-income adults and working families who depend on Medicaid for basic health care needs.

In 2024, 45% of all babies born in Michigan were covered by Medicaid, and nearly half of all children in the state are insured through the program. In rural Michigan, the percentage is even greater, as the majority of births in most rural counties are covered by Medicaid. This makes Medicaid a key support for maintaining obstetrics and pediatric services in these communities. Medicaid also plays a critical role in behavioral health and substance use treatment, especially in rural and underserved areas.

Beyond its importance to individual and public health, Medicaid is a major economic driver for Michigan. The program supports more than $24 billion in annual healthcare services, with over 65% of funding provided by the federal government. Medicaid expansion alone has brought over $1 billion in federal funds into Michigan and supported more than 10,000 jobs.

Proposals to cut Medicaid by $880 billion over the next decade, as outlined in the House Budget Resolution, would be devastating for Michigan. In 2026 alone, our state would experience:

• $2.2 billion in lost federal funding
• $4.9 billion in lost economic output
• $2.9 billion in reduced state GDP

Cuts of this magnitude would force impossible choices—shrinking access to care, shifting costs onto state budgets and local providers, and threatening coverage for seniors in nursing homes, those receiving cancer care, veterans, people with disabilities who need daily support, and working families who can’t afford private insurance.

Worse still, the damage wouldn’t stop with those who rely on Medicaid. These cuts would destabilize the entire healthcare system. Hospitals, birthing centers, mental health clinics, and nursing homes across Michigan depend on Medicaid to keep their doors open. If that funding disappears, many of these facilities will be forced to shut down, leaving entire communities without essential services. And when a hospital or clinic closes, it doesn’t just close for Medicaid patients but for everyone. Whether someone has Medicaid, private insurance, or Medicare, it won’t matter if there’s nowhere to go for care. These closures would create healthcare deserts across our state, straining the remaining providers and putting all residents at greater risk with fewer options, longer wait times, and reduced access during emergencies.

These aren’t just statistics. They represent our neighbors, co-workers, patients, and loved ones. Michigan simply cannot absorb these losses without widespread and lasting harm to people and communities across the state.

We urge you to stand with your constituents and vote no on any federal budget or legislation that includes cuts to Medicaid.

Protect Michigan families. Protect our healthcare system. Protect MI Care.