Chicagos Safety-Net Hospitals Cannot Survive Trump Cuts, Danny Davis, Health Care Leaders Warn

U. S. Rep. Danny Davis led a caravan through five safety-net hospitals in Chicago to protest a spending bill that threatens to cut $793 billion from Medicaid over the next decade. The legislation, currently under consideration in the Senate, could leave an additional 7.

8 million people without health insurance. Davis stated that safety-net hospitals, which depend on government reimbursements, may face mass closures if these cuts are implemented. At Loretto Hospital, where 76 percent of patients are Medicaid recipients, CEO Tesa Anewishki warned that essential services would be at risk. Dr. Carolyn Fitzpatrick from West Suburban Medical Center highlighted that funding reductions could lead to increased illness and mortality rates.

The bill poses a significant threat to hospitals serving low-income populations in both urban and rural areas. Davis plans to return to Washington, D. C. , to vote on whatever version of the bill is sent back from the Senate. These proposed cuts could exacerbate existing healthcare disparities across the nation.