MADISON, Wis. — As Wisconsinites observe Veterans Day and reflect on the service of those who have served in the military, veterans are suffering the consequences of the Republican Tax Law. Representatives Derrick Van Orden and Bryan Steil voted for the law, which included cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, and Congressional Republicans failed to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits – all of which are increasing costs for veterans.
With its cuts to Medicaid, the Republican Tax Law threatens veterans’ access to the health care they need, including long-term care and mental health services. Veterans who don’t qualify for other forms of health care through the Department of Defense or the Department of Veteran Affairs often rely on Medicaid to help them access health care. Nationally, Medicaid helps 1.6 million veterans and in Wisconsin, 10 percent of veterans are enrolled in Medicaid. Additionally, Congressional Republicans allowed ACA tax credits to expire, a move that endangers the health care coverage of 267,000 veterans, with Wisconsin veterans enrolled in the ACA Marketplace facing a 21% premium increase on average during this Open Enrollment season.
The Republican Tax Law also slashes funding for SNAP, ending benefits for around 300,000 veterans. In Wisconsin, 8 percent of veterans rely on SNAP benefits to put food on table for themselves and their families. Because the law removed a rule that exempted veterans from particular eligibility requirements to get SNAP benefits, it’s more likely veterans will lose benefits due to these cuts. Military families who rely on SNAP could also be impacted by the cuts to the SNAP program.
“With its cuts to essential programs like SNAP and Medicaid and its failure to extend the ACA tax credits, one thing is clear: the Republican Tax Law has been a disaster for veterans and the benefits they rely on to access health care and put food on the table,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “Reps. Van Orden and Steil voted for these cuts, which are making it harder for veterans to get the health care they need and afford food for themselves and their families.”