In a rare appearance in Taylorville, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) warned of the effects of potential Medicaid cuts on rural healthcare facilities and patients’ access to them.  The visit comes amid fears that actions at the federal level will lead to cuts to the entitlement program.  Medicaid provides health insurance to low-income and disabled Americans. 

Senator Durbin discussed how a reduction in Medicaid funding could impact patients’ access to healthcare.  He said cuts could affect some services’ ability to operate. 

Members of Taylorville Memorial Hospital’s leadership were on hand as well.  This includes Kim Bourne, the hospital’s president and CEO.  Bourne said much of the care the hospital provides is to patients on Medicaid. 

Republicans have largely promised not to cut funding for Medicaid.  However, a report by the Congressional Budget Office said the tax cuts they have pursued would not be possible without cuts to the program. 

Last week, the House and Senate passed a spending bill to avert a government shutdown.  The bill funds the government through September.

More information on the use of Medicaid at Taylorville Memorial Hospital can be found on their website, memorial.health.