House adopts resolution urging Congress to avoid sweeping Medicaid cuts

The Louisiana House on the floor adopted SCR 32, a resolution memorializing Congress to avoid sweeping cuts to the federal Medicaid program and to work with states on targeted, evidence‑based changes.

Representative Barrault, speaking for the resolution, said Medicaid is a “critical lifeline for over 1,600,000 Louisiana residents,” and that “75 percent of nursing home residents in Louisiana rely on Medicaid” and “over half of all the births in our state are covered by Medicaid.” He urged Congress to work with states rather than impose “drastic cuts” that would shift uncompensated care to hospitals and providers.

During floor discussion, Representative McCormack noted consideration of national deficit reduction discussions; Barrault replied that any changes should be “targeted, evidence based, and developed in consultation with states and stakeholders.” Representative Rev Jackson asked about the federal matching rates; Barrault told the chamber that for the traditional population Louisiana's federal medical assistance percentage is “68%” and that the expansion population’s federal share is “90%.”

Motion and vote: The clerk closed the vote with a tally of 84 yays and 7 nays; the resolution was adopted and recorded co‑authors were added (25 co‑authors were reported in the clerk’s count).

Why it matters: The resolution signals the legislature’s position on federal Medicaid policy and requests consultation with states before major programmatic changes, citing potential impacts on hospitals, long‑term care and maternal coverage.