As proposed federal cuts threaten to strip health coverage from more than 300,000 Pennsylvanians, the Shapiro Administration is highlighting the essential role Medicaid plays in supporting both public health and the state’s economy.

At a visit to Union Community Care, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh, Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys, and Pennie Executive Director Devon Trolley emphasized that over 3 million Pennsylvanians, roughly 1 in 4 residents, rely on Medicaid for access to doctors, prescriptions, and preventive care.

"Whether it’s you, a friend, or a loved one, we all know someone who Medicaid has helped," said Dr. Arkoosh. "The proposed cuts would not only eliminate coverage for hundreds of thousands, but also create ripple effects including crowded emergency rooms, rising insurance costs, and severe impacts on rural health systems."

Officials warn that the cuts could trigger a public health crisis, particularly in underserved areas, and are urging Pennsylvanians to contact their federal representatives to oppose the proposed funding reductions.

Medicaid, also known as Medical Assistance in Pennsylvania, is seen by state leaders as both a healthcare safety net and a critical economic engine for the Commonwealth.