This story has been updated with information about the House vote to censure Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) for disrupting the presidential address.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Bridgeport-based Southwest Community Health Center CEO Mollie Melbourne was a guest of U.S. Rep. Jim Himes Tuesday for President Trump’s address to Congress. She was there to highlight the need to protect Medicaid funding that is crucial for community health centers throughout the country.
But, alas, there was nary a mention of the impending Medicaid cuts that may be implemented by the president and Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency.
“I anticipated more information on Medicaid, health care, and specifics about the GOP budget plan,” Melbourne told the Fairfield County Business Journal on Wednesday. “They were not included but I’m sure more details will be shared in the coming days as we approach the expiration of the continuing budget resolutions.”
On the Lisa Wexler radio show on WICC Himes pointed out two important issues not addressed by Trump.
“What are the things that you didn’t hear peeps about last night?” asked the congressman representing southwestern Connecticut. “No. 1, housing. You didn’t hear anything about that. We’re (the Democrats) going to build a lot more housing. We’re going to be real serious about making sure that happens.
“No. 2 is healthcare. Though we didn’t get the message out there – shame on us – that the first time in American history that prescription drug (prices) were capped it was under Joe Biden. We need to tell that story better.”
Wexler, who is also probated judge of the Westport/Weston district, hosts a daily talk radio show every weekday from 10 a.m. to noon.
In a release prior to the March 4 address, Himes explained his reasoning for inviting Melbourne to join him at the U.S. Capitol.
“Leaders like Mollie see firsthand the casualties of this administration’s attack on Medicaid and other federal funding, and I am proud to have her alongside me in this fight to protect Connecticut’s most vulnerable communities,” Himes said.
A budget resolution that has already passed the U.S. House includes $880 billion in Medicaid funding cuts. It is now being considered the Senate. A memo issued by President Trump’s Office of Management and Budget also froze grants from the Health Resources and Services Administration, which comprise the majority of the Community Health Centers’ federal funding. This freeze was blocked by a federal judge but, if enacted, would be detrimental to the organizations’ ability to offer care.
“Health centers are a critical component of the health care infrastructure,” Melbourne said. “A federal funding freeze or cuts to Medicaid will have devastating impacts to low-income people in our community. We will be forced to make operational changes, like closing sites and eliminating services, to protect our ability to care for our patients. Those who have the least will shoulder the heaviest burden and struggle to get the primary and preventative care that keeps them healthy. Good health must not be reserved for only those with financial resources.”
If implemented, these cuts could result in the reduction or elimination of critical services such as OB/GYN and dental care, the discontinuation of mobile care services, staff layoffs, and even the closure of vital health center locations, according to a release from Southwest Community Health Center (SWCHC).
They would affect patients in the following ways:
- Limited access to preventative care, increasing the risk of undiagnosed chronic diseases.
- Loss of essential mental health services.
- Reduced chronic care management.
- Increased reliance on overcrowded Emergency Departments and Urgent Care centers, leading to significantly higher healthcare costs for vulnerable populations.
With 17 centers across the state, they serve roughly 440,000 patients with over 60% relying on Medicaid.
“Ms. Melbourne’s presence at the State of the Union serves as a call to action, highlighting the urgent need to protect Medicaid funding and ensure that Community Health Centers can continue their mission of providing high-quality, affordable care to those who need it most,” the SWCHC release states.
Rep. censured for Trump address interruption
Himes was among 10 Democratic members of Congress who joined with Republicans to censure U.S. Rep. Al Green of Texas for interrupting President Trump’s speech. The vote was 224-198 with two representatives voting “present,” including Green.
Himes gave the following reason for taking that action: “In 2009, I voted to hold Congressman Joe Wilson accountable for yelling “you lie” at President Obama during his State of the Union Address. Today, I voted to censure Congressman Al Green for a much larger disruption. Unlike my Republican colleagues and President Trump, I believe that rules, decorum, and accountability are important regardless of political party and beliefs. If we cannot stand on principle and act with the seriousness our nation deserves, our government will devolve further into the kindergarten it has already become.”
