U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, alongside Senators Ed Markey, Elizabeth Warren, and 29 other colleagues, has addressed a letter to President Trump expressing strong opposition to potential cuts to Medicare and Medicaid. The lawmakers are responding to reports that Elon Musk and officials from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have accessed key systems at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
The senators emphasized the importance of these programs, stating that in 2024, "68 million seniors and people with disabilities relied on Medicare coverage for essential health care," while nearly 80 million Americans depended on Medicaid.
In their letter, they assert: “We write to say no to Elon Musk and DOGE, and demand hands off Medicare or Medicaid. We strongly oppose any efforts by Musk—or anyone else in your administration—cutting or damaging these vital programs.”
The lawmakers argue that any reductions could lead to increased costs for Americans and longer wait times for medical services. They also highlight concerns about potential disruptions caused by the administration's actions: “Your Administration is already responsible for the shut-down of Medicaid portals across all 50 states... Cuts to Medicare and Medicaid will only serve to deepen the harm.”
They conclude with a call for action: “It is dangerously unacceptable that an unelected Musk and his unqualified acolytes have access to sensitive CMS systems... We urge you to stop this threat to Americans’ health care, now.”
The letter was signed by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer among others, reflecting broad support within the Democratic caucus against proposed changes affecting these critical healthcare programs.