Joco Today

On June 27, 2025, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall from Kansas published an op-ed in Newsweek discussing the state of Medicaid and proposing solutions to improve it. Senator Marshall describes Medicaid as "the most broken program in the country," citing increased spending without corresponding improvements in health outcomes.

In his piece, Senator Marshall emphasizes that many physicians do not accept Medicaid or limit their services to patients covered by it. He states, "Having Medicaid does not mean you have access to health care." The senator argues for a plan within a reconciliation bill aimed at preserving Medicaid for those who need it most, such as seniors, disabled individuals, and single parents.

Marshall points out that while Medicaid spending has risen significantly over recent years, American health outcomes have worsened. He suggests that maintaining fiscal solvency is crucial for protecting vulnerable groups like seniors in nursing homes and children on the CHIP program. According to him, "almost half of all the children in the country—37 million—are now on Medicaid’s CHIP program."

The senator also highlights public support for work requirements within Medicaid, asserting that employment can serve as an effective safety net and aid mental health and addiction recovery. He proposes alternatives like block grants to Community Health Centers and rural hospitals to foster a more holistic approach to healthcare.

Senator Marshall links the financial struggles of rural hospitals to declining local economies and advocates for strengthening agricultural sectors through GOP-led initiatives like biofuel production and tax reforms. He concludes with optimism about economic growth spurred by these measures: "We hope that this GOP bill spurs the economy, and expect that if anyone loses Medicaid, it’ll only be because they found a good job with benefits."