Trump’s budget plan slashes Medicaid

The Trump Administration budget proposal seeks to cut $610 billion from Medicaid over the next decade.

President Donald Trump released his fiscal year 2018 budget proposal, entitled “A New Foundation for American Greatness,” focuses on eight areas of reform, including healthcare.

 In his opening letter to Congress, Trump reiterated the need to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. He also called for Medicaid reform.

“Medicaid, which inadequately serves enrollees and taxpayers, must be reformed to allow States to manage their own program, with continued financial support from the Federal Government,” Trump writes.

Specifically, Trump proposed giving states the choice between a per capita cap and a block grant to “prioritize Medicaid dollars to the most vulnerable populations.” The reform is intended to give states more flexibility to design individual programs and control costs.  

Trump did not propose any cuts to Medicare. Indeed, one of the few mentions of Medicare in the budget is a line-item on a chart of mandatory and receipt proposals to spend $1.27 million over the next decade to improve the Medicare appeals system.

Nicole Stempak

Nicole was Senior Editor at I Advance Senior Care and Long Term Living Magazine 2015-2017. She has a Journalism degree from Kent State University and is finalizing a master’s degree in Information Architecture and Management. She has extensive studies in the digital user experience and in branding online media. She has worked as an editor and writer for various B2B publications, including Business Finance.