Improving 
patient outcomes

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) opposes significant reductions to Medicaid funding that could limit access to essential care for millions of low-income Americans, including those with serious lung and heart conditions. Medicaid is a critical safety net, covering nearly one in five Americans and supporting patients who require specialized treatment.

Cuts to Medicaid funding could disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, strain hospitals and providers, and increase reliance on emergency care. This includes children with congenital heart disease, many of whom depend on Medicaid for lifesaving treatment.

“As cardiothoracic surgeons, we see how Medicaid ensures timely, specialized care for those who need it most,” said STS President Joseph F. Sabik III, MD. “Significant reductions in funding could delay necessary treatment and worsen health outcomes.”

STS urges policymakers to preserve Medicaid’s vital role in the healthcare system and explore solutions that maintain access to high-quality care, particularly for underserved communities.

About STS
Founded in 1964, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons is a not-for-profit organization representing more than 7,800 cardiothoracic surgeons, researchers, and allied healthcare professionals worldwide who are dedicated to ensuring the best possible outcomes for surgeries of the heart, lung, and esophagus, as well as other surgical procedures within the chest. The Society’s mission is to enhance the ability of cardiothoracic surgeons to provide the highest quality patient care through education, research, and advocacy.