HAP and Pa. Providers Make the Case for Medicaid

June 05, 2025

BY: Cameron Brown, HAP policy analyst

HAP and the Pennsylvania Provider Advocacy Coalition (PAPAC) convened a Medicaid briefing on Wednesday for staff and lawmakers from over 40 legislative offices, reflecting bipartisan interest in Medicaid's critical role within Pennsylvania's health care system.

Held at the Pennsylvania Capitol Complex, the Medicaid Briefing featured an in-depth look at Medicaid's structure, benefits, and challenges within the commonwealth. Speakers walked lawmakers through Medicaid’s funding mechanisms, the economic implications of potential cuts to Medicaid, and the critical need for sustained investment in Medicaid to ensure continued access to care.

“As we navigate potential federal Medicaid funding cuts, Pennsylvania must remain committed to keeping Medicaid sustainable and functional for those who need it most,” said Stephanie Watkins, HAP’s senior vice president of advocacy and policy, who facilitated the briefing.

Our briefing was delivered by from three provider advocates from the coalition:

• Tia Whitaker, representing the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers, discussed Medicaid's impact on community health initiatives.
• Lisa Davis, from the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health, shed light on the program's significance for rural communities and their providers
• Richard Edley, of the Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association, addressed Medicaid's role in supporting allied health services for vulnerable populations.

Key moments emphasized how Medicaid:

• Supports approximately 3.2 million Pennsylvanians, including older adults, individuals with disabilities, working families, and children.
• Dedicates 78 percent of funding towards 28 percent of recipients who are older adults and individuals with disabilities, with 70 percent of total recipients working full-time or near full-time.
• Enables health care providers to contribute assessments that help fund the state's Medicaid program, alleviating pressure on the general fund.
• Requires support and improvement to tackle issues such as the necessity of maintaining adequate funding and the ongoing challenges of provider underpayments, workforce shortages, and coverage losses.

The presentation also referenced the broad economic and social benefits linked to Medicaid expansion, including increased coverage, improved access, enhanced financial security for consumers, and better health outcomes for Pennsylvanians.

Becky Suglia, a licensed clinical social worker with the National Association of Social Workers Pennsylvania, shared testimony that resonated with two lawmakers and the executive director of the Senate Health Committee. She highlighted the real-world consequences of policy decisions and the importance of safeguarding Medicaid coverage.

During the briefing, legislators and staff expressed a renewed commitment to understanding Medicaid and the potential ramifications of proposed funding reductions for their communities.

HAP continues to highlight the importance for Medicaid to support access to care. For more information on Medicaid's impact in Pennsylvania, visit the HAP Medicaid Resource Center.