June 13, 2025
Media Contact:Ebony Wilder, Deputy Director, Office of Communications, 410-767-8650
Maryland state partners convene roundtable to discuss more than $1 trillion in proposed federal cuts to Medicaid, Marketplace, and SNAPBaltimore, MD – Maryland state officials, healthcare and human service providers, healthcare plans, and community organizations gathered today for a roundtable discussion about more than $1 trillion in proposed federal budget cuts that could impact essential benefits for Marylanders.
Nationally, the federal budget proposal includes up to $880 billion in cuts to Medicaid, $268 billion to the Affordable Care Act Marketplaces, and $230 billion to SNAP over the next decade. If enacted, the cuts could lead to more than 130,000 Marylanders losing Medicaid coverage, 66,000 Marylanders losing Marketplace health insurance coverage, and more than 684,000 Marylanders will be impacted by the proposed SNAP changes.
“Medicaid is a critical lifeline for over 1.5 million Marylanders, including nearly half of the state’s children,” said Dr. Meena Seshamani, Maryland Secretary of Health. “The proposed changes will prevent access to care and services while creating unnecessary barriers to coverage. That is why it is so important for the state and stakeholders to work in partnership to protect the health of all Marylanders.”
“SNAP is a lifeline for millions of Americans. Over 684,000 Marylanders will have a harder time putting food on their table,” said Rafael López, Maryland Secretary of Human Services. “These extreme cuts and additional red tape proposals threaten that lifeline and will force families to have to choose between going hungry and paying for rent or prescriptions.”
In conversation about the threat that the cuts pose to all Maryland families and the state's economy, state officials warned about the potential for cuts to exacerbate health disparities, increase poverty, and produce strain on local resources. The conversation also revealed the broader implications of the cuts, including increased strain on emergency services, higher rates of food insecurity, and potential closures of healthcare facilities.
“In addition to defunding basic needs programs, Congress’ proposals would also impact the availability and cost of health insurance in the private market," said Maryland Health Benefit Exchange Executive Director Michele Eberle. “The changes would take away state flexibility to oversee health coverage on state exchanges, put barriers in place that would make it harder for families to enroll in private coverage, and create consumer confusion.”
“The 17% proposed Marketplace premium rate increases for 2026 will impact the number of people who can access affordable coverage through Maryland Health Connection,” said Maryland Insurance Commissioner Marie Grant. “The anticipated loss of federal premium tax credits is a blow to consumers and a blow to the state. We are working closely with state partners to design a subsidy using special funds available for market stabilization."
In advance of the roundtable, participating agencies released fact sheets detailing the impact of federal cuts:
Maryland's commitment to preserving access to healthcare coverage and nutrition assistance remains steadfast. State leaders will continue to collaborate with federal partners and advocate for policies that safeguard the health and well-being of all Maryland residents. The state will continue to work with community stakeholders to ensure people can access the services they need.
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The Maryland Department of Health is dedicated to protecting and improving the health and safety of all Marylanders through disease prevention, access to care, quality management and community engagement.
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