Leaders of Long Island’s nonprofits are “frightened” about potential cuts to Medicaid funding, which could impact thousands of residents who rely on these services. The issue was discussed at a forum in East Meadow, where nonprofit CEOs and leaders gathered to share concerns and brainstorm ways to survive the impending cuts.
The House has passed a resolution to extend tax cuts set to expire at the end of the year, which could lead to $880 billion in Medicaid spending cuts over the next decade. This would disproportionately affect vulnerable populations on Long Island, with more than 680,000 residents relying on Medicaid for healthcare costs.
To mitigate the impact, nonprofit leaders are exploring ways to “redeploy” employees and diversify funding sources. They are also encouraging clients to establish contingency budgets in case of federal funding cuts.
“We have a strategic session coming up this week to talk about what it would look like if we lost Medicaid funding,” said Lisa Burch, CEO of the EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies. “We need to determine which programs would be cut and how to keep our employees on staff.”
The fear is real among nonprofit leaders, with many entry-level employees relying on the federal safety net and facing economic strain. The potential cuts could have a devastating impact on Long Island’s most vulnerable populations, making it essential for nonprofits to take proactive steps to prepare.
The Republican-majority Congress’s efforts to extend tax cuts have left many wondering how these changes will affect those who rely on Medicaid. As the situation unfolds, nonprofit leaders will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that their services remain available and accessible to those in need.
Source: https://www.newsday.com/news/health/medicaid-cuts-long-island-nonprofits-east-meadow-ik49gzl6