FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Sherri Boyd, Executive Director
The Arc Michigan
Phone: (517)487-5426
Email: sherri@arcmi.org
Website: www.arcmi.org
The Future of Care in Michigan Is on the Line:
What Medicaid Cuts Really Mean for Our Communities
Lansing, MI — Congress is proposing the largest Medicaid cuts in U.S. history — cuts that would strip healthcare from millions and devastate Michigan’s care infrastructure. At a glance, these may seem like a series of numbers on a spreadsheet. But behind every dollar are families, caregivers, and individuals, at the mercy of these life-altering decisions.
Congress is currently debating deep reductions to the federal Medicaid budget, including major changes to Michigan’s funding. If these proposals move forward, our state could see an annual cost increase of nearly $3.7 billion. Among the changes: the loss of enhanced federal support for Medicaid expansion, reductions to provider tax funding, and the tighter restrictions on state flexibility—leaving Michigan’s most vulnerable residents trapped in a dangerous political crossfire.
“This isn’t a debate about dollars. It’s about whether we believe everyone deserves access to care—at every stage of life, in every ZIP code,” says Sherri Boyd, Executive Director of The Arc Michigan. “Medicaid is not charity. It’s infrastructure. It’s dignity. It’s how we care for one another.”
Who’s Affected
More than 2.4 million people in Michigan rely on Medicaid.
That includes:
- Nearly 1 million children
- Over 300,000 people with disabilities
- 168,000 older adults
Medicaid also supports pregnant women, essential workers, caregivers, and people who never imagined they’d need help – until they did.
If the proposed cuts go through, as many as 750,000 Michiganders could lose access to critical health services, including children with complex medical needs, adults with developmental disabilities, and seniors who rely on home-based services to remain in their communities.
“Medicaid is a lifeline for so many,” Boyd continues. “It supports the services that allow people with disabilities to live independently.”
What the Cuts Could Do to Michigan’s Economy
Medicaid is the backbone of Michigan’s care system and funds nearly one-third of all healthcare spending nationwide. It sustains over 4.7 million direct care jobs across the U.S.—including thousands here in Michigan. It also supports hospitals, clinics, schools, and service providers that keep our communities functioning.
“When federal Medicaid dollars shrink, it puts our healthcare infrastructure at risk,” Boyd explains. “Jobs will be lost, hospitals will struggle, and local economies will feel the strain. These cuts will hurt everyone—even those who don’t rely on Medicaid directly.”
Federal Medicaid cuts would not only harm individual health but also disrupt Michigan’s economy. These cuts would lead to:
- Loss of $3.7 billion in federal funds
- Increased financial strain on hospitals, especially rural and safety-net providers
- Job losses in the healthcare and direct care sectors
- Higher costs pushed onto local governments and taxpayers
Michigan is Paying Attention
A recent poll shows that 60% of Michigan voters oppose cutting Medicaid. Across political lines, the message is clear: We recognize what’s at stake for our loved ones, our communities, and ourselves.
“When people understand what’s on the line, they speak up,” Boyd notes. “The truth is, Medicaid touches more lives than most realize. And Michiganders are ready to protect it.”
What You Can Do
These cuts are moving quickly—and so must we. The time to act is now.
- Share Your Story: Visit arcmi.org/shareyourstory/ to share how Medicaid has impacted your life or someone you care for.
- Contact Your Lawmakers: Urge your elected officials to reject harmful cuts and protect care. Call, email, or visit your elected officials. Tell them: Do not take healthcare from our communities.
- Educate Your Community: Help spread the truth about the critical role Medicaid plays in our state. Talk with neighbors, friends, and local leaders about what’s at stake.
- Join The Arc Michigan’s Advocacy Network: Stay engaged and informed through The Arc Michigan’s alerts and social media.
“Protecting Medicaid is protecting the freedom to live at home, keep a job, or stay connected to a community.” Boyd says. “The stakes couldn’t be higher.”
About The Arc Michigan
The Arc Michigan is the state’s leading advocacy organization for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We work to ensure that people with disabilities have access to the resources, rights, and services they need to thrive in Michigan.
For more information, contact:
Sherri Boyd, Executive Director
The Arc Michigan
Email: sherri@arcmi.org
Website: www.arcmi.org