Congressman Pat Ryan of New York's 18th District has once again voiced strong opposition to Republican-backed healthcare cutbacks. Speaking during a Zoom session sponsored by Protect Our Care New York, Ryan criticized the GOP's plan to reduce Medicaid funding and not renew tax cuts for the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare. He warned that these actions could jeopardize the health coverage of thousands of his constituents in the Hudson Valley.

Ryan emphasized that the proposed cuts would be a significant blow to the healthcare system, particularly affecting seniors, veterans, and children. He highlighted the potential increase in healthcare costs, noting that a 60-year-old couple in his district could see their monthly ACA plan premiums rise from $602 to $1,716 if subsidies are not extended, as reported by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF).

During a recent community event at Garnet Health Medical Center in Middletown, local healthcare leaders joined Ryan in expressing concerns about the impact of these cuts. They warned that the reductions could lead to hospital closures, increased insurance premiums, and a loss of coverage for many residents. The cuts are part of what Ryan and others have described as President Trump's "Big, Ugly Bill," which they claim prioritizes tax cuts for the wealthy over healthcare for ordinary Americans.

Ryan remains committed to fighting these cutbacks and is urging Congress to protect Medicaid and ACA subsidies. He stated, "I will not stop fighting for a more affordable Hudson Valley, one where families in our community never have to choose between paying their hospital bill and putting food on the table."

Chris Davis