Supporting Medicaid: A Call to Protect Access and Equity in Healthcare

At MTM Health , we are proud to be the nation’s largest privately held non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) broker, connecting millions of Medicaid and Medicare members to the care they need. Every day, we witness firsthand the transformative power of accessible healthcare—and the critical role that Medicaid plays in making that access possible. Today, as we stand at a historic high in health insurance coverage with nearly 80 million Americans enrolled in Medicaid, we must remain vigilant in protecting this vital program. The progress we’ve made in reducing healthcare disparities and supporting vulnerable populations is at risk, and now is not the time to undo the good work that has been achieved.

Medicaid: A Lifeline for Millions

Medicaid is more than just a program—it’s a lifeline for children, mothers, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income Americans who rely on it for essential healthcare services and life-saving treatments. As a federal-state partnership, Medicaid delivers flexibility and efficiency, allowing states to tailor solutions to their unique populations. This adaptability has enabled innovations that ensure access to care for our most vulnerable populations—populations that, without Medicaid, would have no other viable source of coverage.

For MTM Health, this mission hits close to home. Our work ensures that Medicaid members can access primary care and specialty services, regardless of where they live. We see the challenges of healthcare disparities, particularly in rural and underserved areas where transportation barriers exacerbate gaps in care. Rural hospitals and safety net facilities—many of which depend on Medicaid funding to remain operational—are critical to these communities. Without robust Medicaid support, these facilities face closure, forcing patients to travel hundreds of miles for care—a burden that disproportionately impacts those who are already struggling.

The Threat of Cuts Under the Current Administration

Despite the undeniable value of Medicaid, recent proposals under the current administration signal a troubling shift. Reports indicate that the GOP budget, endorsed by the administration, commits to over $880 billion in spending cuts, with much of this reduction targeting Medicaid. This comes after promises to protect the program. Such cuts threaten to reverse the progress we’ve made in expanding coverage, reducing the uninsured rate to historic lows, and improving health outcomes for millions.

At MTM Health, we are deeply concerned about the downstream effects of these proposed reductions. Interruptions in Medicaid coverage—even temporary ones—can lead to worsening health conditions, higher costs for payers, and reduced access to care. For rural and safety net hospitals, funding cuts could mean closure, further limiting healthcare options in already underserved areas. For the individuals we serve, this could translate to lost access to transportation, missed appointments, and declining health—a ripple effect that undermines the sustainability of the program and the wellbeing of our communities.

Standing with MHPA and a Coalition of Advocates

We are proud to align ourselves with the Medicaid Health Plans of America (MHPA) and the coalition of 30 organizations that recently penned a powerful letter to Congressional leadership on March 3, 2025. This letter underscores the critical importance of Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which together serve as a cornerstone of our healthcare system. As MHPA notes, Medicaid supports a broad spectrum of Americans, all of whom depend on the program to stay healthy and contribute to their communities.

The coalition’s call to action resonates deeply with us: Medicaid and CHIP must continue to receive strong federal support to maintain their flexibility, accountability, and efficiency. We echo their warning that reductions in funding could lead to hospital closures, reduced access to providers, and a rollback of the gains we’ve made in addressing healthcare disparities. Medicaid’s role in supporting nearly two out of every three adult women in their reproductive years, covering 42% of all births, and providing mental health and substance use disorder services to 13.9 million non-elderly adults in 2020 is irreplaceable. These are not just statistics—they are the stories of real people whose lives depend on this program.

A Call to Action

As a nation, we stand at a crossroads. Health insurance coverage is at a historic high, and Medicaid has been instrumental in driving this achievement. Now is not the time to turn back the clock. At MTM Health, we urge Congressional leaders to reject proposals that would cut Medicaid funding and instead work to strengthen and enhance this vital program. We call for bipartisan action to protect the millions of Americans who rely on Medicaid and CHIP, ensuring that rural hospitals, safety net facilities, and the clinicians who serve them can continue their critical work.

Healthcare access is a fundamental right, and transportation is a key enabler of that right. As we continue our mission to bridge gaps in care, we stand ready to work with policymakers, healthcare providers, and advocates to safeguard Medicaid’s future. Together, we can preserve the progress we’ve made and build a healthcare system that leaves no one behind.