Press Release: Medicaid
Cuts to Medicaid Threaten Mothers, Children & Patient Choice
Author: Saisha Khurana
Editors: Drs. Michelle Haggerty & Sonal Patel
C4TC urges immediate attention to proposed funding cuts and policy rollbacks to Medicaid, the largest public insurer for pregnant individuals and children in the U.S. With policymakers targeting $1 trillion in federal Medicaid cuts over the coming decade, we must highlight the urgent health and equity implications of these changes.
Why Medicaid Matters Right Now
● Medicaid covers over 40 % of U.S. births. In 2021, 41 % of mothers paid for delivery through Medicaid, and in 2023 that number rose to 41.5%(CDC).
● About 50 % of children in the U.S. rely on Medicaid/CHIP. Roughly 37 million children, nearly half of all kids, depend on it for essential care (Children’s Hospital Association).
● Medicaid is the largest insurer for maternity. More than 16 million reproductive-aged women are covered, and Medicaid finances about 42 % of all births in the U.S. (ACOG).
● Nearly 80 million Americans are currently enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP combined; 47.5 % of those are children (Medicaid.gov).
The Consequences of Medicaid Cuts
1. Provider shortages, longer waits, and fewer training slots: Providers may no longer accept Medicaid, clinics will be understaffed, and medical training pipelines will shrink. This creates persistent access gaps, especially in rural communities.
2. Diminished patient choice and autonomy: Insurance reductions strip patients of their ability to choose providers, specialists, or timely care, leading to dangerous care delays or neglect.
3. Worsening health disparities: Medicaid serves a higher proportion of low-income families and communities of color. Rollbacks amplify disparities in maternal mortality, infant health, and preventive care.
4. Public policy misdirection: While proponents may claim “waste and fraud,” the real outcome is fewer covered lives, higher uninsured rates, and deteriorating healthcare systems.
The Center for 4th Trimester Care strongly opposes any cuts to Medicaid that reduce access or coverage for pregnant individuals, children, or vulnerable populations. We call on lawmakers to:
● Protect and expand Medicaid funding to sustain and grow essential maternal and pediatric services.
● Reject harmful eligibility restrictions, work requirements, or heightened red tape that jeopardize coverage.
● Support provider networks and invest in healthcare workforce expansion to ensure patients have real choices.
Impact on Patients
Without Medicaid, expectant mothers may miss prenatal care, newborns may lack screenings, and families will be forced into expensive, delayed care episodes. These are not budget line items, they are human lives.
The Center for 4th Trimester Care is dedicated to safeguarding the well-being of new mothers and infants through education, advocacy, and direct support. We champion policies ensuring every pregnancy, postpartum period, and newborn stage receives the quality care it deserves.
Press Release: COVID-19 Vaccines
Federal COVID-19 Vaccine Rollback Puts Mothers, Children, and Patient Rights at Risk
Center for 4th Trimester Care (C4TC) expresses strong concern over the recent decision by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to remove COVID-19 vaccines from the federal immunization schedule for pregnant individuals and healthy children. This policy change risks serious consequences for vulnerable populations and undermines patient access to essential care. By removing the federal recommendation, HHS effectively signals that the vaccine is unnecessary, giving insurance companies the ability to deny coverage. For patients at high risk, including those who are pregnant or have underlying conditions like PCOS, this change means they may now have to pay for the vaccine entirely out of pocket. “When insurance no longer covers essential vaccines, we’re not just creating a financial
burden, we’re eliminating a choice,” said a C4TC spokesperson. “The public should be deeply concerned about what this means for their ability to access care.”
Key Points on Why This Matters:
1. Patient Autonomy & Insurance Coverage
When the government backs away from a vaccine recommendation, insurance companies are no longer required to cover it. Patients lose the ability to decide for themselves, with their doctor, what care is right for them. The result? Barriers to access and fewer options for those who need them most.
2. High-Risk Populations at Greater Risk
Pregnant individuals and newborns under six months remain especially vulnerable to COVID-19. Leading experts, including Dr. Steven Fleischman of ACOG, warn that infection during pregnancy can result in devastating outcomes. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reports thousands of pediatric COVID hospitalizations last season-many in infants too young to be vaccinated.
3. Impact on Public Health Equity
Nearly half of pregnant women and one-third of children in the U.S. rely on Medicaid. Policy shifts like this disproportionately affect low-income families, making it harder to get the care they need. If Medicaid is reduced or vaccine access disappears, it limits our ability to serve patients and support providers, especially in maternal and infant care. We urge policymakers to reconsider this decision and reinstate federal support for COVID-19 vaccination in high-risk groups. Medical decisions should be driven by science and guided by compassion, not restricted by politics or policy gaps.
Press Release 9/26/24
September 26, 2024
Addressing False Statements and Misinformation Regarding Medical Professionals and Post-Birth Procedures
In recent weeks, a concerning wave of misinformation has emerged, alleging that medical professionals are engaged in unethical practices involving the execution of newborns after full-term pregnancies. These statements are not only categorically false but also dangerously misleading, undermining the trust and safety of our healthcare system.
We want to unequivocally state that such claims have no basis in reality. The notion that medical professionals would engage in the deliberate harm or execution of newborns is a gross distortion of medical ethics and practice. Healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, and other medical staff, are committed to the highest standards of care and are guided by stringent ethical principles designed to protect and preserve life.
Here are the key facts regarding this issue:
- Medical Ethics and Legal Standards: All medical professionals adhere to a strict code of ethics and legal standards that prioritize the well-being and rights of patients. The practice of intentionally ending the life of a newborn is both illegal and contrary to the ethical standards upheld by the medical community.
- Post-Birth Care: In rare and tragic circumstances where a newborn is born with severe, life-threatening conditions, medical teams work diligently to provide comfort and compassionate care. Decisions in such situations are made with the utmost consideration for the infant’s quality of life and in consultation with the family. These decisions are always made with the infant’s best interests in mind and are not related to any form of euthanasia or execution.
- Misinformation Impact: Spreading false information about such serious matters can have severe consequences, including the erosion of public trust in medical professionals and the potential to incite fear and mistrust in healthcare systems. It is crucial for individuals to seek out reliable sources and verified information before accepting and sharing such claims.
- Commitment to Transparency: We encourage open dialogue and are committed to transparency in medical practices. If there are concerns or questions about medical procedures, we urge individuals to consult reputable sources or engage directly with healthcare professionals for accurate information.
We urge all members of the community to approach this issue with discernment and to rely on verified, credible sources for information. Disinformation only serves to harm and confuse, whereas accurate information and clear communication help ensure that everyone receives the respectful and high-quality care they deserve.
For further information or to address any questions, please contact:
Center for 4th Trimester Care
P.O. Box 16544
Golden, CO 80401, USA
c4tc.co
Center for 4th Trimester Care: C4TC is physician led non-profit organization with the mission to bring high quality 4th trimester care to all families. We recognize the holes in our current medical system which has resulted in the high maternal mortality/morbidity leading to poor effects on infant/child health. We are coming together to advocate for improved 4th trimester care because of its profound health and socioeconomic impacts on our families, communities, and nation.
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This press release aims to set the record straight and reaffirm the commitment of medical professionals to ethical and compassionate care.