Commentary: Medicaid cuts will put Alaska hospitals and Alaskans' health care at risk. Our senators need to step up

by Philip Hofstetter

There is no question: the federal budget reconciliation now under Senate review would severely harm Alaskans, especially in rural communities. As CEO of one of Alaska’s last three community-owned critical access hospitals, I see the consequences firsthand when people lose healthcare coverage. This bill adds layers of bureaucracy and new Medicaid restrictions that threaten to choke off care entirely. Fortunately, our senators can choose to block it.

If the Senate rushes this legislation through, an estimated 33,918 Alaskans will lose their health insurance. One in five of t...