Residents in Pennsylvania’s 13th Congressional District, which includes Adams County, could lose access to essential health care and nutrition assistance under the reconciliation bill now advancing through Congress.
According to new data released by the Shapiro Administration, the measure—backed by Congressional Republicans—would strip Medicaid coverage from 17,273 people in the 13th District alone, while 6,626 residents would lose Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits that help families afford groceries.
Statewide, the impact would be even larger. Approximately 310,000 Pennsylvanians stand to lose Medicaid coverage, while nearly 144,000 could lose SNAP benefits if the legislation becomes law.
Governor Josh Shapiro criticized the proposal as devastating for vulnerable communities across the Commonwealth. “These cuts will mean fewer children seeing doctors, fewer seniors getting their medications, and more working families wondering how they’ll put food on the table,” his administration warned in a statement accompanying the district-by-district analysis.
Representative John Joyce, whose district includes Adams County as well as surrounding rural communities, has not yet issued a formal statement on the projected losses in his area.
Under the bill, Pennsylvania’s most populous urban districts would also see steep declines in benefits. In Philadelphia’s 2nd District, more than 58,000 people could lose either Medicaid or SNAP assistance, but the losses in rural districts like the 13th could be especially difficult to absorb due to limited access to affordable health care providers and food assistance programs.
Source: www.pa.gov
Not really surprised by Congressman Joyce’s lack of empathy both as a doctor and as our 13th District Representative. He couldn’t be bothered to show up for the Town Hall event at the Barn Resort several weeks ago either.
Very disappointed in his voting stance on a bill that will impact so many people in his district, Adam’s County, and Commonwealth.
Perhaps he should dust off his copy of the Hippocratic Oath… may come in handy again after the next voting cycle, after which he’ll have to update his resume..