WASHINGTON, december 23, 2024 – nearly 57 million americans-including almost 40 million children-could face increased health and food insecurity if proposed cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) move forward. These reductions to essential programs directly contradict the goals of the MAHA Commission and jeopardize the well-being of a notable portion of the U.S. population.
A Critical Safety Net Under Threat
Proposed cuts to Medicaid and SNAP raise serious concerns about access to healthcare and nutritious food for millions of Americans.
- In 2024, Medicaid and related child insurance programs covered nearly 40 million children.
- SNAP served approximately 17 million individuals in 2024.
- Proposed cuts are outlined in HR1 and could undermine efforts to prevent and treat diet-related diseases.
- Experts agree that Congress and the administration must prioritize funding for these vital programs.
The concerns stem from provisions within HR1, wich propose reductions to both Medicaid and SNAP. These cuts, as noted in a recent response, echo concerns previously raised regarding their potential to dismantle the progress made toward the goals established by the MAHA Commission-a body dedicated to improving maternal and child health.
The Impact on Children
The scale of potential impact is significant. In 2024 alone, Medicaid and associated child insurance programs provided coverage for nearly 40 million children. Simultaneously, SNAP, a crucial resource for food security, served approximately 17 million people. Reducing access to these programs could have devastating consequences, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Did you know? Diet-related diseases are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States, disproportionately affecting
