AFSCME Health Care Experts Urge Congress: Protect Medicaid from Cuts!

Kadi Gonzalez has been a registered nurse for over 20 years. She is most passionate about caring for her 13-year-old son, Anthony. Anthony is neurodiverse and, according to Kadi, is thriving thanks to Medicaid-funded services. Not long ago, he struggled in school and had few friends. Now, he’s a straight-A student with a vibrant social life.

However, Kadi is worried that these essential services may soon vanish.

Advocating for Medicaid

Recently, Kadi joined nearly 70 fellow healthcare workers in Washington, D.C., to urge Congress to protect Medicaid. This group included members from organizations like UNAC/UHCP and NUHHCE. They didn’t just bring their medical expertise; they shared personal stories illustrating how proposed cuts would impact vulnerable families.

Their visit came just before Congress was set to make significant budget cuts. Some lawmakers seem intent on slashing vital public services to benefit the wealthy through tax cuts.

One alarming proposal involves cutting $880 billion from Medicaid. Nurses and healthcare professionals from various settings—hospitals, emergency rooms, and care centers—voiced their concerns.

Gina Yarborough, a physical therapist, recounted how Medicaid funding transformed her young patient’s life through essential surgery. Without this upfront investment, children would face challenges that could have been avoided.

“If we eliminate Medicaid,” warned Vicky Navarro, a nurse, “these patients will have nowhere to turn.”

Long-Term Consequences of Medicaid Cuts

The impact of these cuts will be long-lasting, healthcare experts emphasized. Patricia Garcia, a nurse in New Jersey, explained that Medicaid provides affordable treatments that ultimately save money for the state. “Medicine is cheap. Keeping someone in the hospital for 20 days is pricey,” she said.

Cuts to Medicaid will not only hurt patients—they’ll also strain healthcare systems, leading to staff shortages and even hospital closures. Jamie Hirsch highlighted how these decisions threaten union security, noting that many union members rely on Medicaid for their employment.

The Bigger Picture

This rally was part of the AFSCME’s campaign to protect vital programs like Medicaid, Social Security, and Medicare. The aim is to stand against policies that would benefit a few at the expense of many.

A recent survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that nearly 70% of Americans oppose cuts to Medicaid, showing strong public support for these essential services. The fight isn’t just to protect healthcare; it’s about ensuring that all individuals, especially the most vulnerable, continue to receive the support they need.

The time to act is now. Protecting Medicaid isn’t just a matter of policy; it’s about protecting lives. Let’s work together to ensure everyone has access to the care they deserve.

For more information and insights, visit Kaiser Family Foundation.

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