LaLota to House GOP Leadership: Be Responsible and Compassionate When Reforming Medicaid

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Nick LaLota (R-NY-01), joined fellow House Republicans in sending a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, GOP Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Majority Whip Tom Emmer, and Energy and Commerce Chairman Brett Guthrie, reaffirming their strong support for Medicaid, urging Republican leadership to protect coverage for vulnerable Americans and reiterating a vote of opposition to any GOP bill that includes any reduction in Medicaid coverage for vulnerable populations. 

The letter, signed by Republican lawmakers from districts with high Medicaid reliance, underscores the importance of maintaining care for children, seniors, pregnant women, and individuals with disabilities while calling for responsible reforms that improve transparency and efficiency and warning that any cuts to Medicaid could have devastating impacts on hospitals and safety-net providers, particularly in rural and underserved areas where many facilities rely heavily on Medicaid reimbursements.

“Medicaid is a vital safety net that provides health care to millions of low-income Americans, including children, seniors, and people with disabilities. I’m committed to responsible, compassionate reforms that protect the program for those who truly need it,” said LaLota. “That’s why I joined my colleagues in calling on House GOP leadership to protect Medicaid coverage while pursuing common-sense reforms. These include work requirements for able-bodied adults, limiting benefits to legal residents, and increasing eligibility checks from every 12 months to every 6 months to help prevent fraud and abuse."

To read the full text of the letter, click HERE.

Background: 

Rep. LaLota has a strong track record in voting to defend and support Medicaid. 

In February 2025, LaLota voted for a budget reconciliation which is a foundational measure laying the groundwork for stronger Medicaid and protection of vital programs. 

In August 2024, Lalota led a bipartisan bill to prevent Medicaid cuts to New York Hospitals. The bill was supported by America’s Essential Hospitals, the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS), the Suburban Hospital Alliance of NYS, the Alliance of Safety-Net Hospitals, Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council, and the Greater New York Hospital Association (GNYHA).