Statement from Trinity Health Continuing Care CEO & President Dan Drake on Medicaid

Since 1971 PACE programs have changed how seniors age and offered an alternative to nursing home care. With accessible and comprehensive care, PACE allows seniors to age in place and stay independent longer. As one of the largest PACE providers in the nation, I am proud to serve this invaluable population.

PACE supports better health for seniors while reducing care costs, leading to significant savings for both federal and state governments. PACE programs get funding from both Medicare and Medicaid, and about 99% of participants qualify for one or both. More than 83,000 seniors are enrolled in PACE across the country—more than a large NFL stadium can hold.

As conversations about cuts to Medicaid continue, we must remember that when access to health care is weakened, the ripple effects touch every part of society: from public health to economic strength, from family security to the stability of our communities.

Without Medicaid, millions of Americans are at risk of going without preventive care, life-saving treatments, critical support services, prenatal care, mental health services, and essential prescription medications.

Medicaid is a necessary investment in our nation’s future. Significant cuts to Medicaid will stress the availability of health services for the elderly population as well as leave fewer federal health care dollars for the states. It is critical for Congress to preserve Medicaid for seniors to receive quality and affordable care. A significant number of older adults depend on Medicaid to receive the long-term care that they need.

Proposed cuts to Medicaid funding threaten essential services that seniors rely on, including Trinity Health Senior Communities, Trinity Health At Home and home and community-based services.

These cuts could also impact access to our home health and hospice care. In some communities, up to 41% of our patients depend on Medicaid. Reductions in funding could leave many vulnerable individuals and their families without the care they need.

At the heart of our care model is compassion for vulnerable populations. Removing barriers to health and well-being has been, and remains, core to who we are as a Catholic health system. Expanding access to care is our number one priority.

We urge Congress to affirm this commitment by protecting and strengthening Medicaid.

The health of our people reflects our nation's health. If we value dignity, health equity, and compassion, then we must protect Medicaid—because when Medicaid is strong, America is strong.

Make your voice heard and advocate to protect Medicaid by reaching out to your local elected officials.