Guest opinion: Good intentions
by Jeannie Edens
It is with good intentions that federal policy makers are reviewing the status of Medicaid eligibility and guidelines. Unfortunately, even higher-level policy makers can miss the ripple effects and sometimes even the errors made in proposed policy changes. This is the case with the proposed reductions in health care coverage for low-income populations, either through Medicaid or Marketplace plans.
Utah began the expansion of Medicaid in 2017. Since then, residential programs serving those with severe mental health and/or addiction disorders have more than tripled their capacity, allowing us to treat those most vulnerable among us, especially those that are cycling through homelessness.
One of the provisions in the âBig Beautiful Billâ, with good intentions, is to require âable bodied adultsâ to fulfill a work requirement, giving the misperception that those with severe illnesses will be okay.
This is not the case.
Unfortunately, oftentimes, having access to health care is needed to get a person to a place where they CAN work, or to navigate the required systems to ensure the system knows you have complied, or to request and meet the requirements of an exemption...
Many individuals such as these, have undiagnosed disabilities, and would find themselves unable to navigate a work requirement, or the process for an exemption, should the Big Beautiful Billâs work requirement be put in place. They may appear as âable-bodied individualsâ, who could work, but need the assistance of treatment professionals to diagnose them and treat them, with Medicaid as a payor, prior to entering the workforce (if able). Instead, many will drop from care or never receive care.
They will continue to cycle through homeless shelters, jails, and hospitals, at a much higher cost. (Read More)
News Releases
Curtis on passage of âBig Beautiful Billâ
U.S. Senator John Curtis: âThe Big Beautiful Bill delivers for Utahns. It secures the border, provides permanent tax relief for working families, and strengthens our military. Iâm grateful to Leader Thune and Finance Chair Crapo for including my changes to the energy creditsâkey for business certainty and for Utahâs energy future.â (Read More)
Maloy applauds passage of the âOne Big, Beautiful Billâ
âThe bottom line on the One Big, Beautiful Bill is it puts hardworking American families and our most vulnerable first. It reflects what Americans voted for in November â a return to common sense and accountability. It protects every citizen from the largest tax increase in American history by providing tax relief for working families. It secures our border and strengthens our national security, restores American energy independence, and invests in rural communities. This bill also includes historic compensation for downwinders and uranium workers, expanding eligibility throughout Utah. While no bill is perfect, the One Big, Beautiful Bill reflects the promises made and kept by President Trump and House Republicans,â said Rep. Celeste Maloy. (Read More)
SLC Mayor Wilson on passage of federal budget bill
Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson: âTodayâs passage of the multi-trillion-dollar federal spending bill will harm many Salt Lake County families who rely on Medicaid and other essential services. It hits hardest those already struggling: children, seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income workers. At the same time, it adds billions to the deficit, an odd choice especially for those claiming fiscal responsibility. It also strips control from local communities, undermining Utahâs and Salt Lake Countyâs ability to make decisions that work best for our residents." (Read More)
A dark day for our fiscal future
Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, issued the following statement: "In a massive fiscal capitulation, Congress has passed the single most expensive, dishonest, and reckless budget reconciliation bill ever â and, it comes amidst an already alarming fiscal situation. Never before has a piece of legislation been jammed through with such disregard for our fiscal outlook, the budget process, and the impact it will have on the well-being of the country and future generations." (Read More)
AFP: Passage of OBBBA is âmonumental winâ for Utah
The U.S. House of Representatives concurred with the Senate on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), paving the way for President Trump to sign the sweeping pro-growth economic package into law. AFP-Utah State Director Kevin Greene issued the following statement on the passage of the bill: âToday, weâre grateful for Reps. Mike Kennedy, Celeste Maloy, Blake Moore, and Burgess Owens delivering on their promises and paving the way for long-term economic opportunity and prosperity in our state. The passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and renewal of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is a monumental win for hardworking Utah families and job creators." (Read More)
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