U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono expressed concern over the House Republican budget resolution, which proposes significant cuts to federal funding, particularly targeting Medicaid. The proposal could result in a reduction of up to $2.3 trillion, approximately one-third of Medicaid's projected federal funding, potentially leaving more than 25 million Americans without health coverage, including nearly 140,000 residents in Hawaii.
Senator Hirono stated: “As costs continue to rapidly rise and working Americans struggle to stay afloat, President Trump and Republicans’ budget resolution aims to cut funding from critical programs like Medicaid, which could cut off thousands of people in Hawaii from their health coverage." She further criticized the resolution for prioritizing tax breaks for wealthy individuals at the expense of essential healthcare services.
According to data from the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee, about 20% of Hawaii’s population relies on Medicaid. Should the proposed cuts proceed, the impact could be severe:
- 20,000 rural residents might lose health coverage.
- 35,000 children could lose their health insurance.
- More than one in six seniors may lose nursing home care.
- In total, over 140,000 people could be left without health insurance.
Last month, Senator Hirono and 31 other senators addressed a letter to President Donald Trump urging him not to make cuts to Medicare and Medicaid for billionaire tax benefits. This action was in response to reports involving Elon Musk and Department of Government Efficiency officials gaining access to critical systems at the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services.