Colorado physicians call for opposition to potential Medicare cuts

In Pitkin County, there are 1,073 people enrolled in Medicaid and another 3,410 enrolled in Medicare, according to Pitkin County Human Services. This is more than a quarter of Pitkin County’s population. 

Physicians from the Committee to Protect Healthcare urged Colorado Congressional representatives during a Thursday press call to oppose any potential cuts to these social services.

The call comes in response to the recent budget resolution that was passed in the House on Feb. 25 that leaves open the possibility of cuts to health care programs, like Medicare and Medicaid. The resolution passed with support from some Colorado leaders, including 3rd Congressional District Republican Rep. Jeff Hurd.

Notably, the bill does not explicitly recommend cuts to health programs nor does it name Medicare or Medicaid anywhere in the text, but it does direct the committee that oversees Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program to cut the deficit by at least $880 billion over the next decade.

The Committee to Protect Healthcare is concerned that this budget resolution clears the path to make cuts to essential healthcare programs.

The call had physicians from within District 3, which includes Pitkin County, expressing concern over the negative impacts of potential cuts to those programs. 

“Taking Medicaid away from Coloradans will mean patients like mine will have their health problems worsen, and it will become more difficult for them to work, care for themselves, and care for their families,” said Dr. Stacey Rittmueller, a physician working in District 3.

“It means people will delay care until they’re really sick and end up in our emergency rooms with worse outcomes, worse disease, and more costly care than if they had access early on,” she added. 

According to a Hurd representative, the Congressman’s opposition to cuts on Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security remains unchanged.

“Jeff is going to advocate against Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security cuts. He is part of the process to ensure that when a budget is passed, we’re protecting Medicare access and coverage,” said Nick Bayer, Hurd’s chief of staff.

Hurd, however, is open to cuts that find efficiencies, fraud, or enact work requirements depending on how they are put into place. 

According to physicians on the Committee to Protect Healthcare call, this is not possible without further negative impacts on rural healthcare. 

“Medicaid is one of the most efficient forms of health care coverage, and work requirements simply aren’t what they’re made out to be,” said Dr. Mandy Swanson, a physician working in District 3. “Most of our patients who rely on Medicaid already work, or they can’t work because they’re disabled or caring for a family member.”