Statement from the American Nurses Association on Passing of H.R.1 in the Senate

Patients, Nurses, Hospitals and Our Health System Count on Medicaid

SILVER SPRING, Md., July 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As Congress considers proposals that would significantly reduce federal support for Medicaid, the American Nurses Association is urging lawmakers to reflect not only on the policy implications but also on the real-world consequences for patients, providers, and communities across the country.

"Today, the Senate passed HR1, which, if it becomes law, will have devastating consequences for patients, nurses, and healthcare overall, particularly for those in rural and medically underserved areas. Patients and nurses deserve better," said Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, president of the ANA. "Medicaid is not just a budget line item—it is the backbone of care for millions of Americans, including seniors in nursing homes, children with complex medical needs, and working families in rural and underserved areas. It is also a critical pillar of the nursing workforce. Cuts to Medicaid would result in hospital and clinic closures, especially in rural areas, and would force nurses to shoulder even heavier workloads, leading to burnout, attrition, and ultimately, worse patient outcomes."

These are not abstract warnings. Nurses across the country are already reporting the strain: higher patient ratios, reduced resources, and the moral injury of being unable to provide the care their patients deserve. Medicaid accounts for 19% of hospital revenues nationwide. Reductions in funding will ripple through the entire health care system, threatening both access and quality of care.

Elected members of Congress should consider the political lessons of the past. In 2018, more than 20 Republican House members who voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act lost their seats. While many factors contributed to those outcomes, the public's concern over health care access—particularly Medicaid—was a decisive issue in many districts. This is an important reminder that voters care deeply about health care, and they are paying attention. Constituents, especially nurses in the communities and their patients, are relying on our elected officials to do the right thing and to protect Medicaid.

About the American Nurses Association

As the oldest organization representing more than 5 million registered nurses, the American Nurses Association stands at the forefront of advancing nursing excellence. The association harnesses The Power of Nurses™ to champion the profession and drive transformation in healthcare. Through legislative and political advocacy, comprehensive educational services, and the profession's leading Code of Ethics and Scope and Standards, the association empowers nurses across every specialty and practice setting. The association is committed to ensuring healthy work environments, shaping pioneering policies, and cultivating partnerships that enhance both the nursing profession and the broader healthcare experience.

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SOURCE American Nurses Association