By Cooper Smith
Rep. Nick LaLota (R–Rocky Point) is calling on fellow Republicans in the House to take a compassionate and responsible approach to Medicaid reform, joining a group of GOP lawmakers in sending a letter to party leadership that reaffirms support for the vital safety-net program.
In the letter addressed to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana), Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-Louisiana), Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minnesota), and Energy and Commerce Chairman Brett Guthrie, LaLota and his colleagues warned against any legislation that would reduce Medicaid coverage for vulnerable populations, including children, seniors, pregnant women and people with disabilities. Andrew Garbarino (R-Patchogue) also signed the letter.
Cuts to Medicaid also threaten the viability of hospitals, nursing homes, and safety-net providers nationwide. Many hospitals — particularly in rural and underserved areas — rely heavily on Medicaid funding, with some receiving over half their revenue from the program alone,” the letter read. “Providers in these areas are especially at risk of closure, with many unable to recover. When hospitals close, it affects all constituents, regardless of healthcare coverage.
“Medicaid is a vital safety net that provides health care to millions of low-income Americans,” LaLota said in a statement. “I’m committed to responsible, compassionate reforms that protect the program for those who truly need it.”
The lawmakers — many of whom represent districts where a high number of their constituents rely on Medicaid — emphasized the potential damage that funding cuts could cause to hospitals and safety-net providers, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Many of those facilities, they said, depend heavily on Medicaid reimbursements to stay afloat.
LaLota said he supports commonsense policy changes that would enhance oversight and efficiency without undermining access. Among the reforms he backs are:
- Instituting work requirements for able-bodied adults
- Limiting benefits to legal residents
- Increasing eligibility verification checks from every 12 months to every six months to help reduce fraud and abuse
In February 2025, LaLota supported a budget reconciliation bill that laid the foundation for stronger Medicaid protections. And in August 2024, he led a bipartisan effort to block proposed Medicaid cuts to New York hospitals — a move widely praised by medical advocacy groups including America’s Essential Hospitals, the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS), and the Greater New York Hospital Association (GNYHA), according to LaLota.