#United States #Arlington #NAMI #Medicaid Cuts #SNAP Cuts

NAMI Raises Concerns Over Harmful Budget Cuts

On May 22, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a significant budget bill that poses a grave threat to the mental health and well-being of countless individuals. This legislation drastically reduces funding for critical programs such as Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), endangering livelihoods and care essential for many families across the nation.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has expressed profound concern regarding the implications of this bill, particularly for individuals grappling with mental health conditions. CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. voiced the organization’s alarm, stating, "Millions of people will lose their health care coverage under the House of Representatives' budget reconciliation bill, including many with mental health conditions. Medicaid serves as the backbone of our country's mental health system, covering about one-quarter of the nation's mental health and substance use care. Losing hundreds of billions of dollars from Medicaid will undoubtedly harm millions of Americans and keep far too many from accessing necessary mental health services."

This bill, often referred to as the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act, enacts sweeping cuts to Medicaid. The results could be dire: a reduction of health care coverage, restricted access to health services, higher medical costs, and a weakening of the entire mental health framework in the United States. Furthermore, changes to SNAP will significantly impact millions of working Americans who depend on food assistance to support their families.

As the budget bill transitions to the Senate, there is a sense of urgency among advocacy groups and healthcare providers. Congressional leaders aim to finalize the bill by the 4th of July, and there are fears that the current trajectory may lead to irreversible damage for vulnerable populations. Hannah Wesolowski, NAMI's Chief Advocacy Officer, shared her distress over the House's decision to back a bill that can adversely impact constituents in their own districts. "There is nothing beautiful about depriving millions of Americans of their health care coverage and essential food assistance. We passionately hope that the Senate will reject these cuts and instead prioritize the protection of critical services. NAMI will not waver in our commitment to defending Medicaid and ensuring mental health care remains accessible for all."

Earlier this year, NAMI launched the "Protect Medicaid. Protect Mental Health." campaign to elevate awareness about the crucial role Medicaid plays in mental health care. This initiative has gained momentum, with ardent advocates sending over 120,000 emails and making 6,000 phone calls to lawmakers, urging them to safeguard Medicaid.

The messaging underscores the importance of Medicaid not only for individuals with mental illness but for the framework of healthcare in the United States. It serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to ensure that necessary supports remain in place for those who rely on them.

For ongoing information regarding NAMI's efforts and advocacy regarding Medicaid and mental health services, visit nami.org/Medicaid.

In a time of rising mental health awareness, these budget cuts signal a troubling step backward. Organizations like NAMI stand as vital protectors in the fight for accessible healthcare, advocating tirelessly for those who often feel voiceless. If adequacy in healthcare is not achieved, we risk losing not only critical support but also the very essence of social responsibility we owe to one another as a nation.