“Heartbreaking”: Vasquez Stands with Rural Hospitals Impacted by GOP Medicaid Cuts

At the top of the list: Republicans’ Big, Ugly Law that rips away health care from nearly 40,000 people in New Mexico’s Second Congressional District and puts rural hospitals at risk.

During a visit to Carlsbad Medical Center — the only hospital within 30 miles — Vasquez heard from doctors and staff about the devastating impact of Medicaid cuts on access to care, affordability, and patient health.

“No expectant mother should have to worry if she will make it to a hospital in time to give birth, and no family should worry about skyrocketing health care premiums. But in my district, that could very well soon be our new reality thanks to Republicans who chose to cut Medicaid benefits for 110,000 hard working New Mexicans — all so they could give massive tax breaks to the wealthy. It didn’t have to be this way.” – Rep. Gabe Vasquez 

Read more:

• Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) visited Carlsbad Medical Center, a rural hospital in his district that is at risk of having to cut services or close its doors due to Medicaid cuts under the Republican tax law.
• The Republican cuts to Medicaid jeopardize benefits for more than 110,000 patients across New Mexico – including 40,000 in Rep. Vasquez’s district.
• During the visit, Rep. Vasquez met with Carlsbad Medical Center leadership and staff, who explained the hospital’s critical role as the primary point of care for the surrounding community and expressed concerns about the Republican tax law’s impact on affordability and patient health outcomes.
• “Carlsbad Medical Center is the cornerstone of care for this community. Many of our patients live in rural surrounding areas, and we are the only hospital within 30 miles. Under the new tax law, we expect to deliver more uncompensated and emergency care, which means a harsher financial reality for our hospital. 
• As Medicaid beneficiaries lose access to their health care, they will no longer be able to afford preventive care that can stave off medical emergencies, and that is heartbreaking.” – Matthew Banks, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Carlsbad Medical Center.
• …87% of the population supported by CARC is dependent on Medicaid or Medicare for their health care coverage.
• “The recent cuts to Medicaid will undoubtedly add challenges to our health care system here in New Mexico, especially for our rural and Tribal communities. I’m working with leaders at the state level to find a way to backfill funding cuts and minimize the pain felt by our community members.” – Rep. Vasquez

###