ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Alaska’s economy would experience a significant hit and job loss should the “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act” become law, according to new data from the University of Alaska Anchorage Institute of Social and Economic Research.
The upcoming data is the latest showing significant economic consequences of the proposed cuts in the House and Senate budget reconciliation legislation, also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” More than 230,000 Alaskans rely on health insurance provided by Medicaid. That group includes 38 percent who are children, including children with disabilities, and 76 percent of the state’s nursing home residents.
This panel discussion will feature community leaders, advocates and providers from across Alaska, making clear how crucial these safety net programs are to our state, how harmful cuts would be and urging lawmakers to leave Medicaid, Marketplace and SNAP out of the bill.
The U.S. Senate is expected to vote on proposed cuts and changes by the end of June, with a goal of getting a bill through Congress before July 4. According to recent nonpartisan estimates, nearly 11 million people nationwide would lose health insurance under the current proposal.
Rural hospitals, clinics, and other health care providers in Alaska are at significant risk should the legislation pass. A mass loss of Medicaid coverage would lead to an uptick in uncompensated care, leaving health systems to shoulder extra costs or close. Additionally, cuts to SNAP would make Alaska’s most vulnerable residents less food secure and strain critical social support infrastructure.
WHAT: “Hitting Home: How The ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ Threatens Alaska.” This 30-minute, virtual panel discussion, followed by Q&A, will address the impacts of the legislation and why credible analysis of the bill predicts dire consequences for our state.
WHO: Speakers include Emily Nenon, Alaska Government Relations Director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network; Rachael Miller, Chief Advocacy Officer, Food Bank of Alaska; Phil Hofstetter, CEO of Petersburg Medical Center; Casey Gokey, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center; Kristen Lindsay, cancer survivor, Fairbanks.
WHEN: Wednesday, June 25, 1 p.m.
WHERE: Access to the event is digital and can be found here: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83953037035 . Opportunity for reporter and community questions will follow discussion. Members of the press are also welcome to attend in person, please inquire as to location. RSVP is not required but appreciated at [email protected].
For more information on how ACS CAN is advocating for cancer patients, survivors and their families on the local, state and federal levels, visit: http://fightcancer.org/alaska