Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri, known for his past opposition to the 2010 health care law, has taken a surprising stance in defense of Medicaid benefits for Missourians. Hawley, who previously sought to overturn the health care law, is now supporting Medicaid expansion in his state after voters approved a ballot measure in 2020.
Despite his history as a critic of the 2010 health care law, Hawley is adamant about not allowing any proposal that would lead to cuts in Medicaid benefits for Missourians. He recently joined a budget resolution amendment to strip an instruction to find $880 billion in savings, highlighting his commitment to protecting Medicaid.
Even though Hawley, along with other Republicans, opposed Medicaid expansion in the past, the changing dynamics of the Republican political base are making it more difficult for lawmakers to cut the program. With Medicaid being enshrined in state constitutions in Missouri and two other states, any cuts to federal funding could have significant implications for state budgets.
Advocates are concerned that any cuts to Medicaid could disproportionately impact vulnerable populations such as seniors and people with disabilities who are not part of the expansion population. While there are debates about the cost of Medicaid expansion, most expenditures go towards individuals with higher health care costs, such as older adults and people with disabilities.
Hawley’s support for protecting Medicaid benefits in Missouri represents a shift in his previous stance on health care legislation, demonstrating the importance of expanding Medicaid to provide coverage for vulnerable populations.
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