Boebert Cuts Medicaid Funding, Then Says Rural Hospitals Don't Need More Support
Highlands Ranch, CO – In 2025, Lauren Boebert voted for legislation projected to cut approximately $137 billion in federal Medicaid spending in rural areas over the next decade. Now, she's telling the Colorado Sun that rural hospitals don't need more funding, instead touting the five-year, $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program as a “massive benefit” to rural hospitals.
“Lauren Boebert doesn’t seem to understand the strain our rural hospitals are under, and the impact this has on rural communities,” said Retired Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher. “Maybe if she’d taken the time to meet with all 14 rural hospitals in the 4th District, like I have, she would have a better understanding of how these rural hospitals rely on Medicaid reimbursements to survive.”
“I’ve heard these cuts to Medicaid be referred to by leaders at multiple different hospitals as death by a thousand cuts, and I’ve heard the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) referred to as a band-aid on a bullet wound,” Laubacher continued. “RHTP only covers about a third of the projected Medicaid reductions, and that funding ends after five years. These Medicaid cuts will continue long after.”
Only up to 15% of the funding hospitals receive from RHTP can be used for direct patient care payments, which substantially limits its ability to replace Medicaid reimbursements hospitals would otherwise receive and depend on for their survival.
“Lauren Boebert voted for Medicaid cuts while supporting legislation that included billions in tax benefits for data center companies,” said Laubacher. “And now she's telling rural hospitals they don't need more help. Maybe she should spend less time defending her vote and more time listening to the people who are actually trying to keep health care available in our rural communities.”
“When I get to Congress, I'll work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to protect Medicaid funding and make sure our rural hospitals have the resources they need not just to survive, but to thrive.”
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