There are lots of ways the AHCA — in whatever form it passes — will be very, very bad. But one thing in particular that could spell trouble if Medicaid is drastically cut is the fact that many states still have filial responsibility laws on their books. These are state laws that require adult children to support their parents. And we’re not talking about just billing the parents’ estate. You might not inherit a dime from your parents, but according to some of these laws, you could still be stuck with mom’s or dad’s nursing home bill.
So why aren’t these laws enforced? In a word, Medicaid. As long as there’s been Medicaid, providers could bill the government to care for the indigent elderly.
I urge you to follow the link to the Wikipedia article above. But before you do, and before you get blinded by anger at the Dickensian world we’re back thrust back to, remind yourself to contact your elected representatives and tell them about the potential for collateral damage that could result from cutting Medicaid. And post to social media. And tell your Republican friends and family. Remind them that 49% of the population lives in a state with filial responsibility laws on the books. Many of these states have Republican representatives. They need to understand the consequences of what will happen when providers are forced to pursue other sources of payment besides Medicaid.