#United States #Washington D.C. #Medicaid Cuts #American Nurses Association #Nursing Workforce

Over 500 Nurses Advocate Against Medicaid Cuts on Capitol Hill

On June 26, 2025, more than 500 nurses from various regions of the United States united on Capitol Hill, Washington D.C., to participate in the American Nurses Association's (ANA) annual Hill Day. Their primary objective was clear: to beseech lawmakers to reject the proposed Medicaid funding cuts that jeopardize healthcare access for millions of Americans.

Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, the President of the ANA, expressed the collective concern of nurses, stating, "As nurses, we are deeply concerned that the proposed changes to Medicaid, if enacted, will ultimately result in a steady deterioration of care for all Americans." This statement reflects the dire consequences that could ensue from these proposed reductions to Medicaid funding, particularly for the most vulnerable populations who rely heavily on this safety-net program.

The potential cuts pose risks not only to patients but also exacerbate an already critical nursing workforce crisis. With reduced federal funding, healthcare facilities, especially in rural areas, may find it necessary to downsize services, halt hiring, or even close their doors entirely. Such actions would place an immense burden on nurses, potentially leading to increased workloads, accelerated burnout, and a detrimental impact on patient care quality.

At this gathering, the ANA members advocated for a broad policy agenda, underscoring the need for proactive legislative measures. Key points of their advocacy included:

• - Opposition to Medicaid Funding Cuts: Nurses are rallying against proposed cuts that would undermine vital healthcare provisions, particularly affecting underserved communities.
• - Support for Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs: The ANA emphasized the importance of reauthorizing and boosting funding for these programs, which are essential for recruiting and retaining the next generation of nursing professionals.
• - Funding for the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR): Continued investment in nursing research is deemed crucial for fostering innovation and advancing nursing science.
• - Passage of the ICAN Act: This bipartisan legislation aims to eliminate barriers faced by advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), enabling them to fully utilize their training and education in providing care.

The emphasis on these issues showcases ANA's commitment to maintaining strong advocacy for its more than 5 million registered nurse members nationwide. With a growing public concern regarding provider shortages and chronic diseases, ANA extends its appeal for bipartisan support from Congress to bolster both the nursing workforce and public health infrastructure.

This advocacy event coincides with the days leading up to the ANA Membership Assembly meeting, scheduled for June 27-28, 2025. This assembly serves as a forum for the association's governing body to deliberate on significant nursing issues, manage organizational business, and elect national leaders.

For those interested in following the developments from ANA's Hill Day and Membership Assembly, updates can be found on their social media platforms, tagged with #ANAHillDay and #ThePowerOfNurses, or by visiting RNaction.org for detailed insights.

The American Nurses Association, representing nursing professionals for over a century, stands at the forefront of advocating for nursing excellence. By leveraging the collective strength of the nursing community, the ANA actively works towards enhancing the healthcare system, ensuring healthy working environments, and shaping policies that benefit both nurses and patients alike.