New reporting from American Journal News lays out Dan Sullivan’s record of voting to cut Medicare and Medicaid, putting “seven hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes into dire straits” and forcing 10,000 Alaskans off their healthcare entirely.

“Dan Sullivan voted to rip away healthcare, slash funding for rural hospitals, and gut Medicaid knowing full well that his votes are harming Alaskans and the funding our state relies on,” said Alaska Democratic Party Chair Eric Croft. “Now, Alaskans are struggling to afford life-saving care and medications while he and his Lower 48 billionaire backers get richer. Self-Serving Sullivan has put Alaska last every day in DC, and he will answer for his indefensible vote at the ballot box in November.”

The reporting notes that Dan Sullivan cast the deciding vote for healthcare cuts that put “at least seven hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes into dire straits” in Alaska, and that Sullivan “cast multiple votes threatening Medicare, including voting to advance a 2017 budget resolution that sought to turn it into a voucher program.” 

Alaskans’ premium costs are increasing by 125% – one of the steepest increases in premium spikes in the country – two Alaska clinics have already closed, and nearly 10,000 fewer Alaskans are on Medicaid following Sullivan’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) being signed into law.

American Journal News: GOP Senate candidates are threatening Medicare and Medicaid

By: Jesse Valentine 

August 12, 2026

• Medicare and Medicaid have been around for 61 years, but they may not make it to 62 if the GOP retains control of the U.S. Senate.

• Several Republicans competing in marquee Senate races have expressed an interest in cutting or eliminating both programs, which provide health insurance to more than 123 million people. Medicaid covers low-income Americans, while Medicare is for those 65 and older or with disabilities. About 13 million people are enrolled in both programs.

• Medicaid took a major hit last year when House and Senate Republicans passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB), a sweeping budget law that will cut $1 trillion from the program to fund tax breaks for the wealthy. About 12 million Americans are expected to lose health insurance as a result.

• The law also hit hospitals and health care providers that depend on Medicaid reimbursements for revenue. These providers are often in rural or low-income areas where patients are more likely to be Medicaid recipients. 

• A similar dynamic is at play in Alaska, where OBBB has put at least seven hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes into dire straits. 

• Sullivan has also cast multiple votes threatening Medicare, including voting to advance a 2017 budget resolution that sought to turn it into a voucher program.

• Under the current system, Medicare reimburses hospitals and providers that treat Medicare enrollees. Under vouchers, Medicare recipients would receive funds directly to pay for care or purchase private insurance plans.

• Health policy experts say vouchers would be unlikely to keep pace with inflation, forcing seniors to spend more out of pocket. Vouchers would also further reduce revenues for providers that treat Medicare beneficiaries.

• A KFF tracking poll finds that Medicaid and Medicare are extremely popular with American voters. About 82% have a positive view of Medicare, while 75% view Medicaid favorably. About 62% rank health care costs as their top economic concern.