Vulnerable

Congressional Republicans appear to be backing off their proposal to abolish Medicare, but as Ezra Klein points out, Medicaid is still a ripe target for cuts. Senior citizens are reliable voters and noisy constituents, but the same can’t be said for low-income kids, adults, and people with disabilities. Medicaid beneficiaries are woefully lacking in political influence and their advocates will likely have to make appeals to lawmakers’ sense of compassion and, yes, even pity to have any hope of avoiding the most draconian cuts. That’s not a great position from which to be bargaining.

Of course, this assumes that Medicaid beneficiaries even have advocates. If they are making any noise at the federal level, the mainstream media can’t be bothered to cover the story (which is another problem entirely). And while advocates are busy crafting their message, Republicans and some Democrats are already crafting legislation that, while not completely gutting Medicaid, would give states much more power to trim their Medicaid rolls.

I don’t suppose any K Street lobbyists have a little time to do some pro bono work for us little guys? Anyone?

Didn’t think so.