NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A broad coalition of 10 Tennessee advocacy organizations including the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) will hold a news conference in front of the offices of Sens. Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty on Tuesday, June 3, at 11 a.m. at the Fred D. Thompson U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building to call on our elected officials to protect Medicaid funding for Tennesseans. The Senate is set to vote on proposed cuts by the end of June. Medicaid is a critical lifeline for people throughout the state, especially in rural areas. Tennessee’s members of Congress need to hear how devastating cuts would be for our people as well as the state budget.
More than 1.5 million Tennesseans, or 20 percent of the state’s population, rely on health insurance provided by Medicaid. Medicaid also provides insurance to half of the state’s children. Health insurance is a top predictor of whether someone will survive cancer. It is critical we maintain access to coverage for lifesaving screenings and treatment. The survival of Tennessee’s hospitals is also at risk, especially those in rural areas. A mass loss of Medicaid coverage would lead to an uptick in uncompensated care, leaving hospitals to shoulder extra costs or close.
WHO: ACS CAN and nine partner advocacy organizations, including the American Lung Association, the Tennessee Caregiver Coalition, Family Voices of Tennessee, the Tennessee Disability Coalition and the Chattanooga Area Food Bank.
WHAT: News conference to sound the alarm on proposed federal cuts that will devastate Medicaid health insurance and harm Tennessee. Speakers will include people with personal experience of having Medicaid coverage.
WHERE: Fred D. Thompson U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building
719 Church Street
Nashville, TN 37203
WHEN: Tuesday, June 3 at 11 a.m.
