Suffolk Reporter

Rep. Nick LaLota, representing the NY-01 district, has taken a stand with fellow House Republicans in urging the GOP leadership to approach Medicaid reform with responsibility and compassion. The group crafted a letter addressed to House Speaker Mike Johnson, GOP Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Majority Whip Tom Emmer, and Energy and Commerce Chairman Brett Guthrie. They emphasized their unwavering support for Medicaid and expressed opposition to any proposed reduction in coverage for vulnerable groups.

The letter, which gained backing from Republican lawmakers from areas heavily reliant on Medicaid, stresses the continued provision of care for children, seniors, pregnant women, and individuals with disabilities. It advocates for reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency while warning of the potentially severe consequences that Medicaid cuts could impose on hospitals and safety-net providers, especially those in rural and underserved regions.

"Medicaid is a vital safety net that provides health care to millions of low-income Americans, including children, seniors, and people with disabilities. I’m committed to responsible, compassionate reforms that protect the program for those who truly need it," LaLota stated. His call to the House GOP leadership highlights the need to sustain Medicaid coverage while implementing reforms like work requirements for able-bodied adults, restricting benefits to legal residents, and increasing the frequency of eligibility checks from every twelve months to every six months to mitigate fraud and abuse.

For details on the letter, readers can access the full text.

Background information on LaLota shows a consistent record supporting Medicaid. In February 2025, he voted for a budget reconciliation intended to strengthen Medicaid. Additionally, in August 2024, LaLota spearheaded a bipartisan initiative to avert Medicaid cuts to New York Hospitals, receiving support from several healthcare organizations including America’s Essential Hospitals and the Greater New York Hospital Association.