RHODE ISLAND FEDERAL DELEGATION CALLS ON CMS TO PROTECT RHODE ISLANDERS' HEALTH COVERAGE

The following information was released by the office of Rhode Island Rep. Gabe Amo:

Approximately 24,000 Rhode Islanders are at risk of losing health coverage due to Medicaid cuts in Trump and Republicans' Big, Ugly Law

WASHINGTON, DC TODAY, Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) joinedCongressmen Gabe Amo (D-RI) and Seth Magaziner (D-RI) in sending a letter urging the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Mehmet Oz to delay and reconsider implementing the agency's Interim Final Rule (IFR) on "community engagement" requirements under Trump and Republicans' Big, Ugly Law. The lawmakers warned the rule's narrow interpretation of the medical frailty exemption could subject approximately 90,000 Rhode Islanders to new requirements, with an estimated 24,000 at risk of losing coverage. Under the new "community engagement" requirements, individuals receiving treatment for cancer, developmental disabilities, and other complex conditions could lose critical protections, as states would be forced to navigate significant new administrative burdens.

Background

As a member of the House Budget Committee, Congressman Amohas consistently opposed Trump's cuts to Americans' health care.

In April 2026, Amo grilled Trump's Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Russell Vought, over his efforts to slash health care funding, forcing states to make impossible choices and pushing working families to the brink.

In December 2025, Congressman Amoled a town hall with HealthSource RIto answer Rhode Islander's questions about health care coverage because of the Republican health care crisis.

Amo joined behavioral and mental health leadersat Butler Hospital in October 2025 to discuss how Republican attacks on health care impede Rhode Islanders' ability to access care.

In September 2025, Congressman Amorallied with HealthSource RI Director Lindsay Lang, health care providers, patients, and community leaders at Blackstone Valley Community Health Careto demand that Republicans extend cost-saving Affordable Care Act health insurance tax credits that help Americans afford health care.