Health Care Leaders Urge Capito and Justice to Protect SNAP and Medicaid from Budget Cuts

Health care organizations across West Virginia are once again urging U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Joe Manchin, as well as Governor Jim Justice, to oppose proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid. In a renewed appeal, these groups warn that reductions to these critical support systems would severely impact vulnerable populations and strain the state’s health care infrastructure. Their coordinated call highlights growing concerns over the potential repercussions of federal budget decisions on West Virginia’s most at-risk residents.

WV Health Care Groups Urge Lawmakers to Protect SNAP and Medicaid Funding

Leading health care organizations in West Virginia have united in a strong appeal to Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, urging them to oppose any proposed reductions to vital programs such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and Medicaid. These groups emphasize that cutting funding to these safety net programs would disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, including seniors, children, and low-income families, exacerbating health disparities across the state. They caution that diminished access to nutrition and health care benefits could lead to increased hospitalizations and long-term costs to the health system.

Below is a brief overview highlighting the potential consequences of funding cuts as outlined by the health care advocates:

Program	At-Risk Populations	Potential Impact
SNAP	Low-income families, elderly	Increased food insecurity, malnutrition
Medicaid	Children, disabled, chronically ill	Reduced access to essential health services

Health care groups stress: preserving these funds is critical to maintaining community health and economic stability.
They urge lawmakers: to consider the human cost and long-term economic fallout before endorsing any cuts.

Impact of Proposed Cuts on Vulnerable West Virginia Communities Explored

West Virginia’s most vulnerable populations-including low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities-are facing a looming threat as proposed cuts to SNAP and Medicaid programs risk stripping away essential support. Health care organizations across the state are raising alarms about how these reductions could deepen health disparities, increase food insecurity, and overwhelm local health services already stretched thin by the pandemic and economic challenges.

Experts warn that the proposed cuts would not only reduce access to critical health care but also contribute to a rise in preventable diseases and chronic conditions in communities that historically suffer from limited resources. Key concerns highlighted by these groups include:

Increased rates of malnutrition and hunger among children and elderly residents
Diminished ability for Medicaid recipients to obtain necessary medications and treatments
Greater financial strain on local hospitals and clinics serving low-income populations

Community Impact	Potential Consequences
Rural Counties	Higher hospitalization rates; limited access to specialists
Urban Low-Income Areas	Food insecurity spikes; increased reliance on emergency care
Elderly Populations	Medication non-adherence; worsening chronic conditions

Recommendations for Sustaining Essential Health Services and Food Assistance Programs

To ensure continued access to essential health services and food assistance programs amid evolving economic challenges, experts urge policymakers to prioritize stable funding for SNAP and Medicaid. These programs provide a critical lifeline for vulnerable populations, especially in rural West Virginia where healthcare access and food security are ongoing concerns. By maintaining robust support, state and federal agencies can safeguard prevention and treatment services, reduce hospital admissions, and promote nutritional health across diverse communities.

Advocates also recommend specific strategies to optimize impact without compromising coverage:

Expand outreach and enrollment efforts to reach eligible but underserved populations
Invest in integrated health and nutrition programs to address social determinants of health
Strengthen partnerships between local health providers, nonprofits, and government agencies
Monitor and evaluate program outcomes to adapt policies based on community needs

Program	Key Benefit	Recommended Action
SNAP	Reduces food insecurity	Secure consistent federal funding
Medicaid	Ensures healthcare coverage	Maintain expanded eligibility
Community Health	Increases preventive services	Support provider partnerships

Closing Remarks

As West Virginia continues to grapple with high rates of poverty and health challenges, health care organizations are urging Senator Capito and Governor Justice to reconsider any support for cuts to critical programs like SNAP and Medicaid. Advocates stress that protecting these services is essential not only for individual well-being but also for the overall stability of the state’s health care system. With debates ongoing at both the state and federal levels, the decisions made in the coming weeks will have significant impacts on the most vulnerable West Virginians.