An Open Letter on Proposed Medicaid Cuts

From Eric Gurley, CEO, Immanuel

Congress is considering significant cuts to Medicaid to offset the cost of making the 2017 tax cuts permanent. At Immanuel, we strongly oppose these drastic reductions to a critical safety net that provides access to care for millions of Americans who otherwise could not afford it.

Medicaid supports a wide range of individuals—young families building a future, single parents caring for children with chronic illnesses, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities striving for independence, and older adults who have outlived their savings and now face increasing healthcare needs. These are not freeloaders or burdens on society—they are our neighbors, friends, and loved ones.

The rising cost of health care and insurance has placed meaningful access to services beyond the reach of many. Ignoring this growing need does not make it disappear—it only increases long-term costs as preventable and chronic conditions go untreated.

We agree that outdated care models must be replaced with more effective solutions, but doing so requires intentional investment. Programs like the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) represent forward-thinking alternatives. PACE and similar initiatives focus on providing care in the least restrictive, most cost-effective settings while improving outcomes. These models have already demonstrated their value in both cost savings and quality of life for participants and their families.

We ask that lawmakers continue to focus on meeting the needs of their constituents with compassion, innovation, and effectiveness. We urge them to reject harmful Medicaid cuts and instead invest in evidence-based approaches that support the health and dignity of our most vulnerable citizens.

In this shared moment of urgency, Immanuel has joined with our sister ELCA Lutheran organizations—Mosaic and Lutheran Family Services—to launch a unified advocacy effort. Together, we serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, children, families, and immigrants across Nebraska. These proposed cuts will have a profound impact on the people we collectively serve, and we are united in making our voices heard.

We invite you to stand with us. Contact your elected representatives and speak up for those whose lives and well-being depend on Medicaid. Together, we can protect a healthcare system built on dignity, compassion, and care for all.