Medicaid Cuts Threaten North Country Residents

Proposed changes to New York's Medicaid program could leave thousands without coverage in the rural North Country region.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 1:43pm

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray photograph revealing the internal structures of the human body, conceptually representing the fragility of healthcare access in the North Country region.An X-ray view of the vital organs at risk as Medicaid cuts threaten healthcare access in New York's North Country.NYC Today

The North Country of New York, a region comprising 10 rural counties and the vast Adirondack Park, is facing a dire situation as the state's Medicaid program undergoes significant changes. Recent discussions on Capital Tonight shed light on the potential consequences of the Republicans' tax legislation, which will remove approximately 450,000 New Yorkers with incomes between 200% and 250% of the poverty level from Medicaid. This impact is particularly severe in the North Country, where a substantial portion of residents rely on Medicaid, with an estimated 47,000 individuals set to lose coverage over the next two years.

Why it matters

The proposed Medicaid cuts will affect not only the poorest residents but also children, mothers, pregnant women, the elderly, small business owners, farmers, and workers in the North Country. This broad spectrum of impact underscores the complexity of the issue and the far-reaching consequences for the region's vulnerable populations.

The details

The Healthcare Coalition for the North Country has released a comprehensive report, "What we can do about Medicaid cuts," highlighting the potential effects of these changes. Medical professionals, including Dr. Christopher Hoy, a retired nephrologist, and Dr. John Rugge, a retired family physician and founder of the nonprofit Hudson Headwaters Health Network, have contributed to the report and discussed their proposals on Capital Tonight.

  • The Republicans' tax legislation will remove approximately 450,000 New Yorkers with incomes between 200% and 250% of the poverty level from Medicaid.
  • The North Country region is estimated to lose coverage for 47,000 individuals over the next two years.

The players

Healthcare Coalition for the North Country

A coalition that has released a comprehensive report on the potential effects of Medicaid cuts in the North Country region.

Dr. Christopher Hoy

A retired nephrologist who contributed to the Healthcare Coalition's report and discussed the issue on Capital Tonight.

Dr. John Rugge

A retired family physician and founder of the nonprofit Hudson Headwaters Health Network, who also contributed to the Healthcare Coalition's report and discussed the issue on Capital Tonight.

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What they’re saying

“The cuts and eligibility changes will affect not only the poorest residents but also children, mothers, pregnant women, the elderly, small business owners, farmers, and workers.”

— Healthcare Coalition for the North Country

“The situation in the North Country serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of policy decisions on vulnerable populations.”

— custommapposter.com

What’s next

The state of New York is grappling with the implications of the tax legislation and its impact on Medicaid coverage in the North Country. It is crucial that policymakers consider the human impact and explore alternative solutions that prioritize the well-being of all New Yorkers, especially those in rural and underserved areas.

The takeaway

The proposed Medicaid cuts in New York will have a devastating impact on the North Country region, where a significant portion of the population relies on the program. This issue highlights the need for policymakers to carefully consider the consequences of their decisions on vulnerable communities and to explore alternative solutions that protect access to essential healthcare services.