On the 60th Anniversary of Medicaid – Calvert Must Explain Why He Passed the Largest Cut to Medicaid in History

On this day in 1965, Medicaid and Medicare were signed into law, two programs that have helped millions of Californians live longer, healthier lives and achieve economic security.

Yet just weeks before Medicaid’s 60th anniversary, Ken Calvert joined House Republicans to cut nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid, ripping away health care from millions of Americans and raising medical costs on everyone – all to fund massive tax breaks for billionaires and big corporations.

Calvert’s cruel and decisive vote will wreak havoc on Californians’ lives:

• Nearly 40,000 people in CA-41 will lose health care coverage
• Hospitals are at risk of closing
• Nursing homes could face staffing shortages
• Health care costs will rise for millions of people
• Millions are at risk of facing medical debt

It’s no wonder Calvert has resorted to blatantly lying about his vote, especially when 29% of his constituents rely on Medicaid.

ADDITIONALLY: The Big, Ugly Law triggers nearly $500 billion in cuts to Medicare, resulting in additional likely cuts to funding for hospitals and doctors, and higher premiums for seniors.

DCCC Spokesperson Anna Elsasser:
“For Medicaid’s 60th birthday, it’s a cruel irony that Ken Calvert and House Republicans decided to throw the lifesaving program a wake instead of a birthday party. Calvert broke his promise to lower costs for working families, instead choosing to side with the GOP’s billionaire backers. Californians will remember his betrayal when they reject Calvert in 2026.”