Federal Medicaid Proposal -- Update

Written By: CEO Yvette Cope, MSN

Image features a community update from Lompoc Valley Medical Center.

Dear Lompoc Community Members and LVMC Staff,

I want to take a moment to provide an update regarding ongoing federal healthcare legislation, particularly as it relates to proposed changes to Medicaid funding.

As many of you are aware, the current budget reconciliation bill, endorsed by President Trump began in the House of Representatives and once passed was moved to the Senate for further consideration. Initially, there was hope that the Senate would reduce some of the Medicaid cuts proposed in the House version. However, the Senate version passed this morning still includes significant reductions to Medicaid and supplemental hospital payment programs. This amended bill is now back on its way to the House, where further revisions and negotiations are expected.

At this point, nothing is final. There remains significant opportunity for the House to revise or reduce the scale of these proposed cuts. As with any large piece of legislation, multiple rounds of review, negotiation, and potential amendment are part of the process — and we continue to monitor each step closely.

Since our initial community update in March, and the community address in May, we have remained actively engaged. LVMC Administration and our Board of Directors have been working behind the scenes, in coordination with:

  • CenCal Health
  • The Hospital Association of Southern California (HASC)
  • California Hospital Association (CHA)
  • The American Hospital Association (AHA)
  • Healthcare leaders from Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties

Together, we have submitted several advocacy letters and met with congressional, county, and local leaders and continue to work through a unified regional coalition to represent the needs of our communities.

We know these discussions can create concern, but I want to be clear: LVMC remains aware of all the potential challenges ahead and have been considering multiple contingency plans in order for us to continue to provide quality, compassionate care to the Lompoc Valley and surrounding areas.

Thank you for your ongoing support and trust.

How You Can Help

We need your voice. Please consider reaching out to federal lawmakers to let them know how important LVMC and Medicaid funding are to the Lompoc Valley. A phone call is best at this time.  A few key decision-makers include:

The Honorable Mike Johnson

The Honorable Brett Guthrie

  • Chairman, House Energy & Commerce Committee
  • 2161 Rayburn House Office Building
  • Washington, DC 20515
  • Phone: (202) 225‑3501
  • Fax: (202) 226‑2019

The Honorable John Thune

  • Majority Leader, U.S. Senate
  • 511 Dirksen Senate Office Building
  • Washington, DC 20510
  • Phone: (202) 224‑2321 
  • Fax: (202) 228‑5429

The Honorable Michael Crapo

  • Chairman, Senate Finance Committee
  • 239 Dirksen Senate Office Building
  • Washington, DC 20510
  • Phone: (202) 224‑6142
  • Fax: (202) 228‑1375

The Honorable Jason Smith

  • Chairman, House Ways & Means Committee
  • 1011 Longworth House Office Building
  • Washington, DC 20515
  • Phone: (202) 225‑4404 
  • Fax: (202) 226‑0326

If you have any questions or would like more information about how to get involved, please do not hesitate to reach out. Together, we can ensure that our hospital — and our community — continue to thrive.

Sincerely,

Yvette

Yvette Cope, MSN

Chief Executive Officer