Missouri Leaders Urge Senators to Reject Medicaid Cuts as Senate Reconvenes

Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - As the U.S. Senate returns to session this week, Missouri community leaders are urging Senators Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt to reject a House-approved package of Medicaid cuts that could leave more than 110,000 Missourians without health coverage.

Advocates in Jefferson City, Monday, stressed that the proposed changes would create steep administrative hurdles, causing eligible residents, particularly those with disabilities, chronic conditions, or low-income jobs, to lose coverage due to red tape and systemic inefficiencies. Leaders from health and advocacy organizations warned that the plan would increase costs for Missouri families, threaten rural health care infrastructure, and jeopardize treatment access for cancer patients, people with disabilities, and individuals with mental health needs.

The proposed cuts come amid ongoing strain on Missouri’s Medicaid enrollment system, which advocates say is already under pressure. If enacted, they say the policy shift would not only impact Medicaid recipients but also place additional stress on rural hospitals and community clinics that rely on Medicaid reimbursements to remain operational.

The coalition of advocates is calling on Missouri’s U.S. Senators to oppose the House measure, citing long-term risks to health, economic stability, and access to care across the state.