By: Charlotte Min-Harris, President & CEO
At Changent, we envision a future where every child and family has the resources and community they need to achieve their dreams. We are committed to the health and well-being of families and children – millions of whom depend on Medicaid not only for medical coverage, but for access to other programs and opportunities that improve lives, including SNAP benefits.
That’s why we are alarmed by the Senate’s vote today advancing a reconciliation package that includes almost $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid—an unprecedented cut to one of our country’s most vital programs.
Although the bill does not directly eliminate coverage or place additional barriers on eligibility for pregnant women and young children, the scale of these cuts will ripple across the entire healthcare system. When federal funding is reduced at this level, states are left to absorb the shortfall, which directly impacts the communities and constituents they serve. This results in fewer resources for essential services and, ultimately, a weakened safety net for everyone, including pregnant women, children and families.
Medicaid was designed to provide stability and support during life’s most critical moments. It must remain strong, especially as states increasingly rely on it to support evidence-based programs like Nurse-Family Partnership and Child First—programs that have shown an average return for taxpayers of up to $5 for every $1 invested. When children and families can access stable health care through Medicaid, coupled with transformative programs like ours, they are better equipped to break cycles of poverty, trauma, and poor health, thereby altering the outlook for future generations.
We know that Congress faces tough budget choices. At the same time, we urge legislators to prioritize solutions that work, not slash the foundations they are built on. As the bill moves back to the House, we strongly urge representatives to reject the Senate’s version and protect the Medicaid investments that help children, families and communities build healthier, more resilient futures.
About Changent
Changent is a national organization dedicated to improving health outcomes by scaling and supporting data-driven programs that create lasting, multigenerational impact for children, families and communities. As the umbrella organization for Child First and Nurse-Family Partnership®, Changent works to ensure every child and family has access to the resources they need to thrive. Through innovative partnerships, inclusive care and a commitment to long-term transformation, Changent empowers healthier futures for generations to come.