ICYMI: Murray Slams Republican Plan for Deep Cuts to Medicaid That Will Rip Away Health Care From Millions
In Washington state, over 1.83 million individuals rely on health care through Medicaid, including over 840,000 children
Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA) introduced the Kids’ Access to Primary Care Act in the Senate—legislation that would require Medicaid to pay at least the same rate as Medicare for primary care services, which would incentivize more providers to participate in Medicaid and increase access to care for children and families. Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (D, WA-08) introduced the legislation in the House with Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R, PA-01) and Kathy Castor (D, FL-14).
“Medicaid is a lifeline for tens of millions of American families, especially women and children—one in five women and nearly half of all children in America get their health care through Medicaid. Our legislation is a commonsense solution that would encourage more providers to see Medicaid patients and make it easier for families who rely on Medicaid to get timely care close to home,” said Senator Murray. “Right now, Republicans are doubling down on their plans to make deep cuts to Medicaid and rip away health care from millions of people who need it—it’s dangerous and flat-out-wrong. I’ll keep fighting back and working to strengthen Medicaid and bring down the cost of health care in America.”
“I’ve been in the Medicaid fight long before I got to the Senate, so I know the importance that affordable health care provides for so many Americans, including millions of children. In Georgia, kids make up over 70 percent of all Medicaid enrollees,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “Right now, nearly half of our country’s children get health care through Medicaid, which is why it’s so troubling that Washington Republicans are fighting to make cuts to health care access. That is why the Kids’ Access to Primary Care Act is so important. This commonsense solution shouldn’t be a partisan issue, kids and parents deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have health care access.”
“As a pediatrician, I have seen firsthand the impact that proper medical care can have for the health and well-being of families and children. The current Medicaid payment rate has led to fewer available doctors, longer waiting periods, and overall reduced health care coverage for families across the country,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “My bill offers a commonsense, clear solution. Almost half of the children in the United States are insured through Medicaid, so the best way to take care of our kids is to strengthen Medicaid.”
“I want to thank Senator Murray and Representative Schrier for their unwavering commitment to children’s healthcare with the introduction of the Kids’ Access to Primary Care Act,” said Jeff Sperring, MD, CEO of Seattle Children’s Hospital. “Now, more than ever, ensuring that children’s healthcare is prioritized is of the upmost importance. Healthy kids means a healthy community and a healthy future- this bill puts us closer to that goal.”
“Timely access to primary care for children is non-negotiable. The AAFP supports the Kids’ Access to Primary Care Act, which will help raise Medicaid payment rates for primary care services to Medicare levels,” Jen Brull, MD, FAAFP, President, American Academy of Family Physicians. “Increasing access to Medicaid coverage leads to better health outcomes and reduces long standing health disparities. We urge Congress to pass this legislation to improve access to care and ensure family physicians have the resources they need to treat Medicaid patients.”
“The WSMA believes that primary care is the foundation of an effective, efficient, patient-centered healthcare system. Increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates to Medicare levels is essential to ensuring our patients have access to timely, quality healthcare,” said Washington State Medical Association President John Bramhall, MD, PhD. “Without adequate reimbursement, many physicians are unable to sustain their practices while serving this population, leading to reduced access to care, longer wait times, greater distances traveled, worsening health disparities, and associated increased healthcare costs. We applaud Congresswoman Schrier and Senator Murray for investing in the health of our communities by introducing the Kid’s Access to Primary Care Act of 2025.”
“Children should be able to receive the health care they need, when they need it. For too long, low Medicaid payments have made it difficult for children to get timely care. The Kids’ Access to Primary Care Act takes a critical first step to address the barriers families face when trying to access high quality primary care. Raising Medicaid payments to at least Medicare rates for the same services will help ensure pediatricians and other primary care clinicians can provide the care children need to learn, grow, and thrive. The American Academy of Pediatrics thanks Senators Murray (D-Wash.) and Warnock (D-Ga.) for their leadership on this issue and calls on Congress to advance this legislation without delay,” said AAP President Susan Kressly, MD, FAAP.
Right now, Medicaid pays a lower rate than Medicare for the same primary care procedures and services. This discrepancy severely reduces the number of providers who participate in Medicaid and limits access to health care for children and families. In Washington alone, over 1.83 million individuals are insured through Medicaid, including over 840,000 children who depend on the program for their health care needs. The Kids’ Access to Primary Care Act would improves Medicaid coverage by ensuring that providers are paid at least the same rate as they are for Medicare. Experts agree that higher Medicaid payment rates will broaden the provider network and increase access to care for Medicaid patients, including the more than half of children in the U.S who rely on Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
Senator Murray has fought to strengthen and protect Medicaid throughout her career and previously led similar legislation that would raise the Medicaid reimbursement rate to Medicare levels for primary care services—the Ensuring Access to Primary Care for Women & Children Act—with former Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) in the 113th, 114th, 116th, and 117th Congresses.
In the Senate, in addition to Senators Murray and Warnock, the Kids’ Access to Primary Care Act is also cosponsored by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Peter Welch (D-VT).
The legislation is supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, Seattle Children’s Hospital, and the Washington State Medical Association.
The full text of the legislation is HERE.
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