Budget Cuts to HHS Could Deepen U.S. Maternal Health Crisis

The recent narrow passage of a budget resolution by House Republicans, proposing significant budget cuts totaling $880 billion to the Department of Health and Human Services over the next decade, has sparked grave concerns among healthcare professionals.

These cuts, though not explicitly targeting Medicaid, would likely necessitate reductions to the program—a scenario leaving many, including Dr. Sharon O'Leary of Trinity Health Michigan, warning of severe impacts on maternal and infant health outcomes. Medicaid presently covers over 40% of births in the U.S., playing a crucial role in maternal healthcare, especially for low-income, rural, Black and brown communities.

Health experts argue that reduced Medicaid access could widen existing disparities in maternal and infant mortality rates, and complicate pregnancies due to decreased access to necessary prenatal care.

The loss of Medicaid coverage would not only challenge individual financial situations but would potentially heighten operational stress on maternity hospitals, leading to further closures. These closures impact the broader healthcare ecosystem, also affecting those with different types of coverage. The cuts could result in increased deliveries in emergency rooms, where costs are significantly higher, ultimately escalating the financial burden on the healthcare system at large.