Medicaid Archives — Page 12 of 26

GOP War on Health Care: Headlines Across the Nation Reveal Broad Opposition to Republican Scheme to Slash Medicaid

Over the weekend, the Senate passed a budget resolution laying the groundwork to cut almost a trillion dollars from Medicaid to fund tax breaks for the ultrawealthy and big corporations. The House is expected to cement these plans later this week, threatening the health care of over 70 million Americans. At a time when Trump is ripping apart the nation’s public health system and tanking the economy, Americans cannot afford these devastating cuts to Medicaid

Millions across the country have shouted their outrage during town halls and protests, railing against indiscriminate cuts to Medicaid and vital public health services. Research shows that Republican voters rely on Medicaid for their health care and that cuts are unpopular among Trump voters. New polls also continue to shine a light on the importance of Medicaid in local communities, providing critical coverage to low-income seniors, children, veterans, and people with serious disabilities. From Trump voters opposing Medicaid cuts to opinion pieces written in local media outlets, headlines across the country make it clear just how unpopular their agenda is.

NATIONAL

CBS News: House Speaker Johnson Is Eyeing Big Cuts To Medicaid. In His Louisiana District, It’s A Lifeline.

“Last year nearly 290,000 people in Johnson’s district were enrolled in Medicaid, about 38% of the total population, according to data compiled by KFF, the health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News. About 118,000 of them are in the program thanks to the Affordable Care Act, which allowed states including Louisiana to expand Medicaid to cover low-income adults, many of whom were working in low-paying jobs that don’t provide health insurance. Louisiana ranks second in Medicaid enrollment, at nearly 32% — a reflection of the state’s high poverty rate. As Republicans weigh cuts, their actions could have dramatic consequences for their constituents here. Of the eight GOP-held House districts with the most Medicaid enrollees due to the expansion, four are in Louisiana. Johnson’s largely rural district ranks sixth in expansion enrollees.”
“In this heavily Republican district, where Johnson won with 86% of the vote in November, 22% of residents live in poverty. […] Medicaid recipients in Johnson’s district, told about GOP plans to cut the program, said their lives are hard enough in a state where the minimum wage is $7.25 an hour. Without Medicaid, they said, they couldn’t afford health coverage.”

Politico: Trump Pollster Finds Medicaid Cuts Unpopular Among Trump Voters.

“A majority of people who voted for Donald Trump oppose potential moves from congressional Republicans to cut Medicaid funding, according to new polling from the firm of Tony Fabrizio, the president’s 2024 campaign pollster.”
“‘There’s really not a political appetite out there to go after Medicaid to pay for tax cuts,’ said Bob Ward, partner with Fabrizio Ward, in an interview. ‘Medicaid has touched so many families that people have made up their minds about what they don’t want to see cut.’”

KFF Health News: The House Speaker’s Eyeing Big Cuts to Medicaid. In His Louisiana District, It’s a Lifeline.

“KFF Health News spoke with two dozen Medicaid enrollees in Johnson’s district. Most said they were unaware their congressman is leading the Republican charge to upend the program. Those informed of the Republican plan said it scares them.”
“Medicaid recipients in Johnson’s district, told about GOP plans to cut the program, said their lives are hard enough in a state where the minimum wage is $7.25 an hour. Without Medicaid, they said, they couldn’t afford health coverage.”

New York Times: The Three States That Are Especially Stuck if Congress Cuts Medicaid.

“If Republicans choose to make the projected budget reductions by cutting into Medicaid expansion, the other 37 states (and D.C.) that participate in the expansion could stop covering working-class adults. Nine states have laws explicitly requiring them to stop Medicaid expansion or make significant changes if the federal share of spending drops. But South Dakota, Missouri and Oklahoma can’t do that. They either need to amend their constitutions, a lengthy process that can take years, or figure out how to fill the budget hole, most likely by cutting other services or raising taxes.”

Axios: Senate Sets Up Clash Over Medicaid Cuts.

“What they’re saying: Republican senators have made clear their concerns about Medicaid cuts. ‘Tonight I spoke for a good bit with President Trump about Medicaid — he told me the House will NOT cut Medicaid benefits and the Senate will NOT cut Medicaid benefits and he won’t sign any benefit cuts,’ Sen. Josh Hawley wrote on X on Thursday. ‘I hope congressional leadership will get the message.’ Sen. Lisa Murkowski also wrote on X that despite her voting for the budget resolution, it had ‘serious shortcomings.’ These included the adoption of the current policy baseline and that it still had the instruction for finding $880 billion in savings from House Energy and Commerce ‘that would require significant cuts to Medicaid.’ Hawley even joined with Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden on an amendment to strike that Energy and Commerce instruction. It narrowly failed, with Hawley, Murkowski and Sen. Susan Collins the only Republicans to break ranks and vote for it.”

Truthout: Resistance Grows as Proposed Cuts Threaten Health Care for Over 79 Million in US.

“‘The need for health care unites us all,’ Smith told Truthout. ‘Right now, I’m terrified of losing Medicaid and being unable to get injections for pain control. They’re the only thing that makes it possible for me to be on my game.’”

The Canary: Trump’s Impending Medicare Cuts Spell Disaster for Severely Chronically Ill People Like Emily.

“What’s more, not only will the cuts sever her financial bridge to her daily treatment, but it could stop her getting the surgeries she sorely needs. These are crucial treatments that could improve her long-standing health issues. These would help her regain a quality of life that enables her to not just survive, but live with fewer life-threatening, debilitating symptoms, and she hopes, even pursue her passions.”
“To this point, Emily has only been able to access the care and surgeries she has needed due to Medicare and Medicaid.”

IN THE STATES

Public News Service: Federal Budget Cuts to Medicaid Would Significantly Impact New Mexico.

“‘Over 780,000 New Mexicans are currently enrolled in Medicaid,’ said Otero, ‘so federal cuts would greatly impact how things operate here in New Mexico.’ She added that cuts in coverage threaten health care services, from the birth of a new child to cancer treatments.”

WSHU: CT Democrats Seek Public Support to Stop GOP Medicaid Cuts.

“‘It’s like Sophie’s Choice who gets help here,’ he [Rep. Joe Courtney] said during a visit to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford on Friday. ‘There’s no question that every program, particularly children who are such a high percent of the patient population, would be negatively impacted,’ Courtney said.”

Union-Bulletin: Think Proposed Medicaid Cuts Will Affect Only Poor, Elderly in Central WA? Think Again.

“It’s not just people like Morgan’s client who need to be concerned about deep cuts to Medicaid that Congress may approve. The program provides free or low-cost medical care to nearly 300,000 in Washington’s 4th Congressional District, which includes the Tri-Cities. The district is the most dependent on Medicaid/Apple Health in the state, with 70% of children and 24% of adults relying on the government program. Covered patients include children, the elderly, those with disabilities, young families and people who don’t have health insurance benefits at their job. Steep reductions to the Washington Medicaid, or Apple Health, would impact services for other residents, according to health care officials. They could mean even busier emergency rooms, the closure of rural hospitals and loss of community doctors, and fewer medical services for everyone as hospitals lose Medicaid revenue.”

KMA Land: Nonprofits Warn Proposed Medicaid Cuts Could Devastate Millions of Missourians.

“About 1.3 million Missourians are currently enrolled in Medicaid and nonprofits around the state have warned proposed federal cuts would be devastating. In Missouri, children are the largest group served by Medicaid, with 61% enrolled. States could face more than $800 billion in Medicaid cuts and more than $200 billion in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP or food stamps.”
“‘State legislators are going to be forced to — and administrators forced to — find those dollars elsewhere,’ Bryant Macklin pointed out. ‘That elsewhere will be from other key social services that folks are relying upon and that the state has grown accustomed to receiving that federal support.’”

CalMatters: California Has Big Plans for Improving Mental Health. Medicaid Cuts Could Upend Them.

“But mental health advocates, health plans, and county officials put it this way: Medicaid funding cuts would result in more sick people going without treatment. That would increase the likelihood of them losing employment or dropping out of school and ending up in need of more acute care, or worse, on the street.”

PennLive: Opinion: Federal Cuts to Medicaid Would Devastate Low-Income Pennsylvanians.

“Federal health care programs like Medicaid, Title X, and ACA Marketplace plans are essential for Pennsylvanians, especially people with low incomes, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community. These programs provide access to birth control, STI testing, cancer screenings, and gender-affirming care—services that keep our communities healthy.”

Kentucky Lantern: Opinion: Affordable Health Care Is at Risk for Many Kentuckians.

“Medicaid is also at risk: Politicians are spreading exaggerations and falsehoods, trivializing the successes of Medicaid and working hard to strip affordable health care away from those who need it most. In Congress, it has been widely reported that Republican leaders are weighing enormous cuts to Medicaid to pay for an extension of tax cuts for the wealthy.”

West Virginia Watch: Opinion: West Virginians Have Sent a Clear Message to Lawmakers: Don’t Cut Medicaid.

“West Virginians can’t afford state or federal cuts to Medicaid. We need our congressional delegation to fight for a budget that prioritizes people — not the interests of the wealthy few. If they truly represent the interests of their constituents, they will protect Medicaid and ensure that every West Virginian, regardless of income, has access to the health care they need.”

Daily Herald: Opinion: Protecting Medicaid’s Promise for People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

“In Illinois, one in three people with intellectual and developmental disabilities rely on Medicaid for their long-term care and support needs. These are our neighbors, our family members, our friends — and they deserve to have the support needed to live independently, have careers and thrive in their communities.”
“Medicaid cuts won’t save money — they’ll shift costs to states, forcing states to cut services or increase the burden on taxpayers.”

La Crosse Tribune: Wisconsinites Fear Trump Medicaid Cuts; ‘This Time, It Just Feels Different.’

“Frederick, like many others in western Wisconsin, harbors deep concerns about the impact of possible Medicaid cuts. The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a broad budget outline that calls for $880 billion in spending cuts over 10 years. Budget analysts doubt whether that can be achieved without deep cuts to Medicaid, especially if Congress approves another round of tax reductions while keeping programs such s Social Security, Medicare, defense spending, farm subsidies and veterans’ benefits untouched.”

Salt Lake Tribune: Cutting Medicaid Could Be Devastating for Children.

“Cutting Medicaid would deny coverage to many of these children. Not only would this show a lack of compassion for innocent children, there would be many other costs to our country. Children who are denied coverage would experience worse health outcomes, including impact to their mental health, which could affect their ability to be productive members of society as adults. The families are also likely to compile medical debt that they are unable to pay, increasing the costs of health care for the country overall.”

Cleveland.com: ‘Cataclysmic Ripple Effect:’ How Medicaid Cuts Could Harm Ohio’s Economy

“Patients could lose their health care while in the midst of cancer treatment. The newly uninsured may avoid getting care because they’re afraid of the bill. When they finally do see a physician, these patients will be sicker.”
“All hospitals would be impacted by the cuts because they must pay for the cost of care that Medicaid doesn’t cover. But safety-net hospitals, like MetroHealth System, are particularly vulnerable if cuts occur, because they treat a disproportionate share of the region’s lower-income individuals.”

AL.com: Opinion: I Became a Doctor to Save Lives. The State of Alabama Won’t Let Me.

“Over the last decade, I have watched, helplessly, as patients succumbed to preventable illnesses because they could not afford medical care. Alabama Medicaid covers health care for children, but once they reach age 19, their care is cut off, denying many sick kids access to care that would allow them to live the lives they wanted. I am not the only doctor who has had patients die because of insurance loss.”
“Protecting Medicaid will save lives. Funding cuts would be devastating — not just for patients, but for our entire health care system. People like Carrie and Blake deserve a chance to thrive. And physicians like me deserve a fighting chance to do what we trained to do: heal.”

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FACT SHEET: Seniors and Their Families Count On Medicaid, But Republicans Want to Slash It to Give Tax Breaks to the Rich

Week One of Medicaid Awareness Month Focuses on the Importance of Medicaid to Older Adults As Republicans Pursue Draconian Cuts

This April marks the eighth annual Medicaid Awareness Month. Medicaid is the largest health insurance program in the country, providing health care for over 70 million Americans, including 7.2 million seniors. It provides essential coverage for expenses like long-term care, medical equipment, hospitalization, and prescription drugs. As the single largest payer to long-term care services in the country, middle-class families depend on Medicaid to help take care of their loved ones. Six in 10 nursing home residents count on Medicaid for the long-term care they need – that’s 5.6 million older Americans.

But Trump and Republicans in Congress are determined to gut Medicaid in order to give billionaires another tax cut, even if it means dismantling the health care American families rely on. The GOP budget paves the way for slashing $880 billion from Medicaid, putting the health care of tens of millions of Americans at risk. For seniors, who often live on fixed incomes and face high medical expenses, losing their health care coverage would be catastrophic. The consequences of such severe cuts to Medicaid would touch nearly every household in America. Families would be forced to choose between seeing a doctor, filling a prescription, or putting food on the table. Without Medicaid, millions may be forced to leave a job to provide full-time care for an aging parent who can no longer afford their nursing home. Recent polling found there is broad opposition across party lines to any cuts to Medicaid, with 67 percent saying Congress should increase spending on Medicaid or keep it about the same.

During Medicaid Awareness Month, Protect Our Care is continuing its “Hands Off Medicaid” campaign with theme weeks to underscore the importance of Medicaid across the country. Alongside partners, lawmakers, and other advocates, Protect Our Care is working to defend Medicaid from the Republican-led plan to slash funding to pay for another round of tax cuts for the wealthy and big corporations.

By The Numbers

Millions of Seniors & Older Americans Rely On Medicaid Coverage. 7.2 million Americans over 65 are enrolled in Medicaid and more than 11 million Americans ages 50 to 64 have health coverage through Medicaid – many thanks to the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion.
6 to 8 Million Older Adults Live Below The Federal Poverty Level. For millions of seniors and older Americans on fixed incomes, Medicaid is a lifeline.
Medicaid Is the Single Largest Payer To Long-Term Care Services Nationwide. As seniors age, long-term care services become more essential. Medicaid serves about 70 percent of seniors who will need some form of long-term care in their lives.
2.7 Million People Would Gain Coverage If Remaining States Expanded Medicaid. This includes 1.4 million people who are in the Medicaid coverage gap and an additional 1.3 million uninsured people with incomes between 100 and 138 percent of the federal poverty line who are eligible, but not enrolled in Marketplace plans. 17 percent, approximately 238,000, of the uninsured in the coverage gap are people aged 55-64 who face increased health care needs.
Medicaid Pays For 62 Percent Of Long-Term Care Residents In Nursing Homes. Medicaid covers nursing home bills for over 60 percent of residents in nursing homes. In 2019, this totaled over $50 billion. The median private nursing home room cost over $100,000 yearly in 2025.
12 Million Medicare Beneficiaries Also Have Medicaid Coverage. Nearly 8 million of the dual eligible Medicare-Medicaid beneficiaries are “full benefit” Medicaid enrollees who have access to a range of Medicaid benefits, not otherwise covered by Medicare.

Seniors And Older Adults Depend On Medicaid For Affordable, Comprehensive Care. As of 2023, approximately 2.98 million older adults are uninsured. Older Americans often have more complex health issues, requiring additional medical attention that is costly, pushing care out of reach. For seniors on Medicare, Medicaid helps fill many of the gaps in Medicare coverage, such as transportation to medical appointments and medical equipment.

Middle Class Families Rely on Medicaid for Peace of Mind and Financial Security. Millions of middle class families across the country depend on Medicaid, whether it’s for an aging parent, a disabled child needing special care, or a child who can’t be covered under their parent’s health plans but doesn’t make enough yet to afford insurance on their own. Studies show increased Medicaid access leads to middle class families having an increased amount of money in their savings and retirement accounts and are significantly more likely to never miss a mortgage payment. Without Medicaid, middle class families would be more likely to drain their savings, lose their homes, and not save for retirement.

Medicaid Supplements Medicare Coverage For Millions Of Seniors. 12 million seniors are eligible Medicare-Medicaid dual beneficiaries. Nearly 8 million are “full benefit” Medicaid enrollees who have access to a range of Medicaid benefits, not otherwise covered by Medicare. Nearly half of dual enrollees are seniors of color and over half of dual enrollees suffer from long-term disabilities.

Medicaid Helps Seniors And Older Americans Stay Retired And Out Of Poverty. Many seniors and older Americans survive on low incomes or have chronic health conditions that prohibit them from working. Medicaid allows individuals living on fixed incomes or who have chronic health problems to continue getting the care they need by filling the gaps in their Medicare coverage without having to worry about choosing between food and housing or their health. Medicaid has long been considered one of the most effective anti-poverty programs in the nation, and its expansion has significantly improved health outcomes for seniors and older adults. In a nation where 4 in 10 adults report having medical debt, Medicaid serves as a lifeline not only for health care, but for economic stability as Americans age. A January 2021 study from Health Affairs found that the ACA helped reduce income inequality across the board, but much more dramatically in Medicaid expansion states.

Low-Income Seniors With Medicare Depend On Medicaid For Long-Term Care. It is estimated that 70 percent of seniors will need long-term care at some point and 62 percent of nursing facility residents utilize Medicaid to receive their care. Medicaid is a critical provider of home- and community-based care that are essential to keep loved ones at home with their families and neighbors. Without Medicaid, many seniors would not be able to afford these needed services with Medicare alone. 80 percent of individuals in nursing facilities covered by Medicaid were dually eligible, with Medicaid covering costs once Medicare benefits have been depleted.

Hundreds of Thousands of Seniors Are Stuck In The Medicaid Coverage Gap. 10 states have refused to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), stranding many seniors with low incomes in the Medicaid coverage gap. As a result, over 407,000 older Americans with incomes below the federal poverty level are ineligible for Medicaid or ACA marketplace assistance in these states. Over half of these individuals reside in Texas or Florida, and seniors from at least 25 percent of those in the Medicaid coverage gap in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida.

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This Medicaid Awareness Month, We’re Exposing the Republican Scheme to Slash Medicaid to Fund Tax Breaks for Billionaires

Protect Our Care Will Continue Its “Hands Off Medicaid” Campaign With Events and Activities Throughout the Month

Washington, D.C. – Tuesday, April 1 kicks off the eighth annual Medicaid Awareness Month, and Protect Our Care is leading the charge to defend Medicaid and the care that Americans count on. Medicaid is under fire like never before as Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress pursue close to a trillion dollars in cuts. Their efforts jeopardize the health care that one in five Americans rely on in order to fund massive tax breaks for the wealthy and large corporations. If Trump and MAGA Republicans get their way, millions will lose their health care.

Medicaid provides health care to over 70 million Americans, including seniors who need long-term care, children who make up nearly half of Medicaid enrollees, new moms, rural Americans, people with disabilities, and working families. Medicaid benefits just about every household and community in the country, but the Republican health care agenda isn’t about families or everyday Americans — it’s about implementing Trump’s tax cuts for the wealthy, no matter how many people are left to pay the price.

To mark the start of Medicaid Awareness Month, Protect Our Care President Brad Woodhouse released the following statement: “Trump and his yes-men in Congress are plotting the largest Medicaid cuts in history, all so the rich can get richer. This Republican budget proposal is an assault on hardworking Americans who count on Medicaid. This Medicaid Awareness Month, we’re calling out Donald Trump’s shameless war on health care and making it clear that Medicaid cuts mean tearing away health care from millions of Americans, including seniors, kids with disabilities, and low-income working people. Trump and his Republican allies are focused on lining the pockets of the wealthy, even if it means trampling on the needs of everyone else.”

Throughout the month of April, Protect Our Care will release reports, publish fact sheets, host events around the country, and continue its “Hands Off Medicaid” campaign, demanding Republicans abandon their cuts to Medicaid. These activities will highlight Medicaid’s importance to middle- and low-income Americans, underscore what needs to be done to protect the program, and make clear the dire consequences of the Republican agenda.

The month will include the following themes each week:

March 31 – April 4: Seniors: Over 8 million seniors across America rely on Medicaid for affordable and essential health care. It helps seniors age with dignity and independence and lightens the load of working families struggling to get by.
April 7 – 11: People with Disabilities: Medicaid covers 45 percent of non-elderly adults with disabilities, including adults with physical disabilities, developmental disabilities, and brain injuries.
April 14 – 18: Communities of Color: Over 60 percent of those covered by Medicaid are people of color. Altogether, Medicaid provides coverage for 36.9 million non-elderly Americans of color across the nation.
April 21 – 25: Opioid Crisis & Mental Health: Medicaid is the single largest payer for mental health services in America, serving 26 percent of all adults living with a serious mental health condition. Medicaid is crucial to building a system of comprehensive substance use disorder treatment. These interventions have been vital and life-saving.
April 28 – May 2: Moms and Kids: Medicaid provides the care for over 40 percent of births and other maternal care such as prenatal visits, ultrasounds, and screenings. It also covers nearly half of all American children, including children with special needs, foster youth, and children of color.

Background:

As one of the largest health insurers in the country, Medicaid is an indispensable pillar of our economy and health care system. Medicaid is a lifeline for children who make up almost half of Medicaid recipients, seniors in nursing homes, mothers, people with disabilities, rural Americans, and working families. It covers more than 40 percent of all births in the U.S. and is the single largest payer to community clinics, long-term care services, and mental health and substance use disorder care in the country. Medicaid keeps hospitals open in rural communities, helps children do better in school and earn better jobs in adulthood, shields families from overwhelming medical debt, allows seniors to age with dignity and the care they need, and so much more.

By The Numbers

Republican threats to Medicaid put health care at risk for over 70 million (21 percent of) Americans, including:
- 31.5 million children
- 9.1 million people with disabilities
- 8.3 million seniors
Republicans will create a $50 billion hole in state Medicaid budgets to pay for tax breaks for the wealthy and corporations.
If Republicans decrease federal funding for people in the Medicaid expansion population, it would immediately rip health care away from 4 million Americans across twelve states and jeopardize health care for about 21 million people.
Republicans threaten care for 18.5 million people on Medicaid by imposing lifetime caps.
Republicans could deny coverage to 36 million Americans through burdensome bureaucratic reporting requirements.

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IN THE STATES: Lawmakers and Advocates Demand an End to the Republican War on Health Care

Protect Our Care Holds More Than 25 Events Across 13 States in the Last 2 Weeks

Over the past two weeks, members of Congress, local elected officials, and advocates joined Protect Our Care for events in Alaska, Arizona, California, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin, demanding that Republicans end their war on American health care. Right now, Republicans are working to slash nearly a trillion dollars from Medicaid and raise premiums for hard-working families by ending cost-saving tax credits. As a result, millions of Americans across the country would lose their health coverage and premium costs would skyrocket. Recent polling found there is broad opposition across party lines to any cuts to Medicaid, with 67 percent saying Congress should increase spending on Medicaid or keep it about the same. Republicans are deeply mistaken if they think they can get away with devastating our health care system.

Protect Our Care is continuing its “Hands Off Medicaid” campaign to underscore the importance of Medicaid across the country. Alongside partners, lawmakers, and other advocates, Protect Our Care is working to defend Medicaid from the Republican-led plan to slash funding to pay for another round of tax cuts for the wealthy and big corporations. Read more about the latest round of paid ads here.

ALASKA

Tuesday, March 18 – House Health and Social Services Committee Hearing on ePTCs with Rep. Genevieve Mina and Alaska Health Care Advocates: Representative Genevieve Mina, advocates and storytellers gathered for the Alaska House Health and Social Services Committee Hearing to discuss HJR 9, which urges the US Congress to extend enhanced premium tax credits for health insurance premiums under the ACA, which are set to expire at the end of 2025. ePTC recipients shared how they have positively impacted their lives: “I work four jobs to support my kids, and the ACA tax credits bring my health insurance premium down from $2,300 to $205,” said Shellie Gooden, a single mother. “As a diabetic, I need this coverage to stay healthy for my children. Without these credits, affording both housing and medical care simply won’t be realistic for our family.” You can watch the committee hearing here, read HJR 9 here, and view the post-event release here.

Thursday, March 20 – Empty Suit Town Hall with Alaska Advocates and Storytellers: Over 600 Alaskans joined Protect Our Care Arizona and the 907 Institute at Anchorage Loussac Library to raise awareness against proposed Medicaid cuts for Alaskans and demand answers from Sen. Dan Sullivan and Rep. Nick Begich. “Alaska has the most expensive health care in the country, and with 250,000 Alaskans relying on Medicaid, cuts to this program would be devastating,” said Aubrey Wieber, Executive Director of the 907 Initiative. “Medicaid isn’t just a lifeline for patients—it’s an economic engine that supports jobs and health care providers across our state.” You can read the post-event release here.

Alaska Current: Alaskans turn to empty-chair town halls as Sullivan, Begich duck outrage over Trump
Anchorage Daily News: Protests draw hundreds as Alaska congressional delegation diverges in response to Trump policies
Alaska Current: Sullivan says he doesn’t need to meet with outraged Alaskans as they pack empty-chair town halls

Friday, March 21 – Medicaid Postcard Signing Party and Drop-Off with Alaska SEIU Caregivers: SEIU Caregivers and advocates signed and hand-delivered nearly 200 postcards bringing attention to Medicaid and calling on Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan to protect the vital program from devastating cuts. Despite challenges from office staff members, the postcards were delivered at the Anchorage, Fairbanks and Matsu state offices of Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski.

KKBI: Homer caregivers push for better wages

Wednesday, March 26 – ACA Anniversary/ePTC/Medicaid Event with Alaska Storytellers and Advocates: 13 advocates and storytellers from across the state joined Protect Our Care Alaska to mark the 15th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) passage and discuss the urgent need to protect the ACA, as well as ePTCs and Medicaid expansion. From small business owners and caregivers to college students and nonprofit leaders, participants shared emotional and compelling stories about how the ACA and Medicaid expansion have made health care more affordable and accessible in Alaska. Pat Race, a small business owner and artist in Juneau, stressed the ACA’s economic impact: “So many downtown businesses wouldn’t exist without the ACA. I’ve had real conversations about shutting down my shop if I lost coverage. One in five small business owners relies on the ACA. Undermining it would be a huge blow to our economy.” You can read the post-event release here, and watch the full event here.

ARIZONA

Monday, March 17 – ePTC/Medicaid Event with Rep. Yassamin Ansari and Advocates: Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ-03), emergency room physician Dr. Larry DeLuca, and Les Braswell of Honest Arizona joined Protect Our Care Arizona to discuss the urgent need for Congress to stop Republican efforts to slash Medicaid and raise premiums for millions of people through the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Speakers urged Congress to protect Medicaid and renew these tax credits so that Arizonans can continue to rely on these benefits to remain insured and healthy: “I’m grateful to Congresswoman Ansari for her advocacy for expanding access to health care,” said Les Braswell, Honest Arizona. “I live in the district next door and I’m urging my own Congressman David Schweikert to work with Congresswoman Ansari to expand the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits and make them permanent.” You can watch the full event here and read the post-event release here.

Washington Examiner: Fractured Democrats grasp for unity during ‘Day of Action’

Monday, March 17 – Medicaid Town Hall with Senators Mark Kelly, Ruben Gallego and Storytellers in Phoenix: Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego held a town hall on Monday in Phoenix warning Arizonans of “impending cuts” to Medicaid (also known as AHCCCS in Arizona), which featured storyteller Marcos Castillo. “They fight dirty and we’re not willing to get in the mud with them,” said Protect Our Care storyteller Marcos Castillo. “Maybe it is time we start getting in the mud with them.” You can watch the full event here.

Fox 10 Phoenix: Arizona Senators Mark Kelly, Ruben Gallego warn of ‘impending cuts’ to Medicaid
AZ Mirror: ‘Make them fear voters more than Trump’: Kelly, Gallego rally against GOP Medicaid cuts
Mesa Tribune: Medicaid concerns aired at Democratic town hall
KYMA: Locals react to Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego’s Medicaid Town Hall
MSNBC: ‘Tell them how pissed off you are’: Democratic senators hold town halls as GOP cancel events
KTAR: Mark Kelly, Ruben Gallego explain how potential Medicaid cuts would hurt Arizonans at town hall
AZ Central: Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego answer questions on potential Medicaid cuts
AZ Central: Sens. Gallego, Kelly urged at town hall session to resist Trump Medicaid cuts
KJZZ: ‘You want a game plan’: Arizonans share how Medicaid cuts would hurt at Kelly, Gallego town hall
12 News: Town hall participants grill Arizona senators over potential cuts to Medicaid

Thursday, March 20 – Medicaid Week of Action Event at the Arizona State Capitol with Health Care Advocates and Storytellers: Health care workers, storytellers and advocates joined Protect Our Care Arizona for a rally outside the Arizona State Capitol to protect health care for all Arizonans and urge Congressman David Schweikert to oppose cuts to health care. This press event was part of a larger nationwide effort to oppose billionaire-driven efforts to slash federal programs like Medicaid in order to fund tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy. “Our ten-year-old daughter requires multiple treatments,” said Quinna Brown, a mother of three adopted children, including one child with special needs. “Today, she is thriving because of those treatments. She is functioning as a happy, creative ten-year-old girl. The idea of her losing her services is very scary. We do not know what will happen and when it will happen.” You can read the post-event release here, and watch the full event here.

CALIFORNIA

Sunday, March 23 – Benefits Over Billionaires Tour with Congressman Ro Khanna in Bakersfield (Rep. David Valadao’s District): Rep. Ro Khanna, along with Protect Our Care and other progressive partners, hosted a town hall in CA-22 which is held by Republican Rep. David Valadao who has refused to hold a town hall with his constituents. Rep. Khanna wanted to hear from people directly impacted by Trump’s mass firings and the Republicans’ $880 billion in Medicaid cuts. As Republicans follow orders to dodge their constituents’ protests, Californians must be loud and clear in standing up to the unholy alliance of wealth and power in our time and rejecting the failed policies that put billionaires and corporations over the working class.

Politico: Ro Khanna confronts voters spoiling for a fight – against GOP – in town hall tour
San Francisco Chronicle: A Bay Area Democrat ventured into a red district for a town hall. Here’s how it went
Spectrum News 1: U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna holds town hall in Bakersfield
KBAK (CBS Bakersfield): Ro Khanna holds town hall in Valadao’s district
KGET (NBC Bakersfield): Ro Khanna holds town hall in Bakersfield

Sunday, March 23 – Benefits Over Billionaires Tour with Congressman Ro Khanna in Norco (Rep. Young Kim’s District): Rep. Ro Khanna, along with Protect Our Care and other progressive partners, hosted a town hall in CA-40 which is held by Republican Rep. Young Kim who has refused to hold a town hall with her constituents. Rep. Khanna wanted to hear from people directly impacted by Trump’s mass firings and the Republicans’ $880 billion in Medicaid cuts. As Republicans follow orders to dodge their constituents’ protests, Californians must be loud and clear in standing up to the unholy alliance of wealth and power in our time and rejecting the failed policies that put billionaires and corporations over the working class.

Sunday, March 23 – Benefits Over Billionaires Tour with Congressman Ro Khanna in Anaheim (Rep. Ken Calvert’s District): Rep. Ro Khanna, along with Protect Our Care and other progressive partners, hosted a town hall in CA-40 which is held by Republican Rep. Young Kim who has refused to hold a town hall with her constituents. Rep. Khanna wanted to hear from people directly impacted by Trump’s mass firings and the Republicans’ $880 billion in Medicaid cuts. As Republicans follow orders to dodge their constituents’ protests, Californians must be loud and clear in standing up to the unholy alliance of wealth and power in our time and rejecting the failed policies that put billionaires and corporations over the working class.

CBS News: Packed Santa Clara town hall highlights growing frustration over Trump and Musk’s policies

IOWA

Friday, March 21 – ACA Anniversary Event with Health Care Advocates: Laura Packard, executive director of Healthcare Voter, and Margarida Jorge, executive director of Healthcare for America Now, joined Protect Our Care Iowa to highlight the ongoing threats to American health care as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) turns 15 years old. “This is not acceptable, we need to get loud and make sure they hear us again,” said Laura Packard. “They should never be threatening health insurance for millions of Americans to pay for tax giveaways to Elon Musk and his billionaire buddies, they do not need more yachts. We need more health care.” You can view remarks here, and view the post-event release here.

MAINE

Monday, March 24 – ACA Anniversary/ePTC/Medicaid Event with Maine Assistant House Leader Lori Gramlich and Advocates: Maine Assistant House Leader Lori Gramlich and advocates from Children’s Alliance of Maine and Consumers for Affordable Health Care joined Protect Our Care Maine to highlight the ongoing threats to American health care as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) turns 15 years old. For over a decade, millions of Americans have been able to get quality and affordable health care through the ACA, and more Mainers than ever are covered. But Republicans remain hard at work trying to rip away Mainers’ access to quality, affordable health coverage. “We should be celebrating this landmark legislation, but instead, we are fighting to protect the access that Maine people rely on,” said Assistant House Leader Lori Gramlich. “Maine’s congressional delegation must stand up against the incredibly harmful proposals put forward by President Trump and Republican lawmakers to rip away Mainers’ health insurance.” You can read the post-event release here, and watch the full event here.

WABI: Maine organizations and lawmakers call on the state’s Congressional Delegation to fight against healthcare cuts
Maine Public: Health care advocates urge Maine’s federal lawmakers to fight against Medicaid cuts

MINNESOTA

Monday, March 24 – Virtual Health Care Town Hall with U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Health Care Advocates: Protect Our Care Minnesota hosted a virtual health care town hall alongside Senator Amy Klobuchar. During the town hall, Senator Klobuchar highlighted the ongoing threats to Minnesotans’ health care and discussed what she and her colleagues are doing to protect access to care. “Republicans in Congress are moving forward with a budget that threatens health care for the 80 million Americans who get coverage through Medicaid,” said Senator Klobuchar. “In Minnesota that’s more than a million seniors, families, children, veterans, and people with disabilities. I’ve been [across the state] in senior living facilities, and they are worried about their health care being taken away. Why? Right now, Medicaid provides health care for at least one-in-five rural Minnesotans, more than 31% of kids in our state, more than half of all nursing home residents across our state. These aren’t just numbers. Everyone knows someone who gets access to care through Medicaid.” You can watch the town hall here.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Monday, March 24 – ACA Anniversary/ePTC/Medicaid Event with New Hampshire Health Care Advocates: Health care and policy advocates Lisa Beaudoin, Jake Berry and Edward Shanshala joined Protect Our Care New Hampshire to highlight ongoing threats to American health care as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marks its 15th anniversary. For over a decade, millions of Americans have gained quality, affordable health care through the ACA. Today, more Granite Staters have coverage than ever before, and insurance rates statewide are at record highs. Yet there are those in Congress who support efforts to undermine this progress, aiming to remove vital tax credits that help New Hampshire families save thousands annually and proposing to slash Medicaid funding by at least $880 billion—putting health care at risk for working families and vulnerable populations statewide. “In Washington, proposals to slash Medicaid by as much as $800 billion over the next decade pose a real and frightening threat to New Hampshire,” said Edward D. Shanshala, CEO of Ammonoosuc Community Health Services. “Even a fraction of those cuts would severely harm coverage for individuals with disabilities, families, and pregnant mothers. And here, the stakes are uniquely high: New Hampshire is one of just nine states with a trigger law, meaning if federal Medicaid funding drops by even one dollar below the current 90% level, Medicaid expansion would immediately end—no votes, no debate, just immediate loss of coverage. The consequences would be devastating.” You can read the post-event release here, and watch the full event here.

The Tip Sheet: On the 15th Anniversary of the ACA, NH Celebrates the Health Care Accomplishments but Worries about the Future for Granite Staters
Patch: Looking at American healthcare as the Affordable Care Act turns 15

NEW YORK

Tuesday, March 18 – Medicaid Day of Action Press Conference with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jefferies and New York Medicaid Storytellers: House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jefferies held a press conference in Brooklyn highlighting the importance of protecting Medicaid for New Yorkers as part of the Medicaid Day of Action. Protect Our Care New York worked with 1199SEIU and the Healthcare Education Project to provide storyteller and provider Dr. Judith Flores, a pediatrician, to speak at the event. “Medicaid is health care, and we believe that in the United States of America, it is not simply a privilege, it is a right. Medicaid is health care for people in this community, in this city, in this country. It is not simply a privilege to have health care in the United States of America. It is a right, and we’re going to fight to make sure that right is alive and well, and save Medicaid in the United States of America,” said Rep. Hakeem Jefferies. You can watch the event here.

Axios: Democrats hammer GOP on Medicaid after weeks of turmoil
NY1: House Democrats hold ‘Medicaid Day of Action’ to call attention to expected cuts

Saturday, March 22 – 1199SEIU Stop Cuts to Health Care Rally at Rep. Nicole Milliotakis: 1199SEIU health care workers rallied with other South Brooklynites to call on Rep. Malliotakis to protect Medicaid–which over 7 million New Yorkers depend on for their health care–and other federal programs that are a lifeline for millions. In late February, Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) voted for a congressional budget reconciliation resolution that sets Congress on a path to decimate and radically change federal health care programs that millions of New Yorkers count on for their care. “I think we all ended up here today because we are tired of opening up our phones and seeing nothing but Trump and Musk taking a chainsaw to basic services regular people depend on. Services like Medicaid, Medicare, and SNAP.” said the organizer, Christina. “It’s not to cut waste and fraud, but to give tax cuts to billionaires… these cuts will result in a loss of 2.7 billion dollars in our district”

Radio Free Bay Ridge: Rally Against Nicole Malliotakis’s Cuts to Medicaid

Thursday, March 27 – ACA Anniversary Event with Congressmembers Dan Goldman, Pat Ryan, Tim Kennedy, and State Legislators: Congressmen Dan Goldman (NY-10), Pat Ryan (NY-18) and Tim Kennedy (NY-26), State Senator Gustavo Rivera (Senate Health Committee Chair) and Assembly Member Amy Paulin (Assembly Health Committee Chair) joined Protect Our Care New York to highlight the ongoing threats to American health care as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) turned 15 years old. “This week, the Affordable Care Act turned 15 years old – providing insurance coverage to more people than ever before – adding over 24 million enrollees,” said Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26). “We all know how important our health and well-being is, and the peace of mind that comes with being able to see a specialist when something is wrong, to have your child see a doctor when they are sick, or to know your parents can receive long-term care when they need it. The ACA, Medicaid, and Medicare are all investments in the health and well-being of our communities and our country. It is a basic human right to have access to health care. Yet, time and again, Republicans have put the ACA and Medicaid on the chopping block to pay for tax giveaways for the ultra-rich. We need to keep organizing, mobilizing, and speaking out against these attacks on our health care that would hurt hardworking families who deserve so much more.” You can watch the event here, and view the post-event release here.

WCBS: New York Democrats come together to highlight the 15th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act (preview clip)
1010WINS: New York Democrats come together to highlight the 15th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act (preview clip)

NORTH CAROLINA

Thursday, March 20 – Medicaid Defense Event with State Representative Julie von Haefen and Health Care Advocates: State Rep. Julie von Haefen, Little Lobbyists mom Shannon Dingle, and former AARP National President Eric Schneidewind joined Protect Our Care North Carolina to discuss the GOP’s latest budget plan to put billionaires over Americans. “The fact that Medicaid is under attack right now breaks my heart because of that decade-long effort we had to expand it and get where we are today,” said Representative von Haefen. “I recently met a woman at an event who came up to me and said ‘I just wanted to thank you so much for your vote on Medicaid and your hard work to get health care to somebody like me.’ She said that three weeks after she received her Medicaid card, she had a serious medical problem and ended up having to have open heart surgery. She said that if she did not have Medicaid it would have been financially devastating.” You can watch the event here, and view the post-event release here.

Thursday, March 27 – ACA Anniversary Event with Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt and Health Care Advocates: Lt. Gov Rachel Hunt, Pediatrician Dr. David Hill, and health care advocate DonnaMarie Woodson joined Protect Our Care North Carolina to highlight the ongoing threats to American health care as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) turns 15 years old. “For 15 years, the ACA has provided quality, affordable health care to Americans and we won’t let that be ripped away,” said Lt. Governor Rachel Hunt. “National Republicans’ attacks on the ACA will not stop, but we have seen them all before and we have made it through.” You can watch the event here, and view the post-event release here.

PENNSYLVANIA

Tuesday, March 18 – Medicaid 101 Press Briefing with Pennsylvania Health Access Network and Health Care Advocates: Becky Ludwick of PA Partnerships for Children, Jennifer Garman of Disability Rights Pennsylvania, Michael Berman of Protect Our Care Pennsylvania, and Antoinette Kraus of the Pennsylvania Health Access Network joined a call today to discuss the devastating impact of proposed cuts to Medicaid on the 3 million Pennsylvanias who rely on the program for health coverage, particularly children, seniors, and people with disabilities. “Medicaid covers over 3 million Pennsylvanians. These are Pennsylvanians from every county in the Commonwealth. They are children, older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income working Pennsylvanians,” said Antoinette Kraus, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Health Access Network. “Each year, we field over 10,000 calls from people from across Pennsylvania about health insurance. Across the board, we hear that Medicaid is a life-saving program that keeps people healthy and working. Beyond coverage, Medicaid is a top funder for critical services that communities across Pennsylvania rely on, like mental and behavioral health care, school nurses, substance use disorder treatment, community health centers, rural hospitals, in-home care, and nursing homes.” You can watch the event here, and view the post-event release here.

KYW: (Also ran during the 6pm, 4am, and 7am broadcasts)
KYW: (Also ran during the 7pm, 9pm, 11pm, and 6am broadcasts)
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Pennsylvania advocates warn of devastating impacts as federal Medicaid cuts loom
WFMZ: ‘This funding is critical’: PA organizations unite to protect Medicaid funding in face of proposed cuts
Tioga Publishing: ‘This funding is critical’: PA organizations unite to protect Medicaid funding in face of proposed cuts

Wednesday, March 19 – Congressman Scott Perry “Empty Chair” Townhall in Harrisburg, PA: Protect Our Care provided support for an “Empty Chair” Medicaid townhall to hold Congressman Scott Perry accountable for refusing to show up and listen to how these devastating Medicaid cuts will impact the people he represents.

WGAL: Frustration boils over at Scott Perry
WGAL: Calls for townhalls
WGAL: Advocates hold their own townhall
WGAL: Frustration boils over (also ran during the 1am broadcast)
WGAL: Where is Scott Perry? (also ran during the 5am, 6am, and 7am broadcasts)
Politics PA: ‘Where is Scott Perry?’: Progressive Group Holds Town Hall, With Focus Largely on Medicaid Cuts.
PennLive: ‘Where is Scott Perry?’: Progressive group holds town hall, with focus largely on Medicaid cuts
The Keystone: Scott Perry isn’t holding town halls. His constituents did one anyway, aiming ire at Trump, Musk
WGAL: US Rep. Scott Perry’s constituents urge him to protect their health care

Thursday, March 20 – Congressman Ryan Mackenzie “Empty Chair” Townhall in Bethlehem, PA with Congressman Jamie Raskin and DNC Chair Ken Martin: Protect Our Care provided support for an “Empty Chair” Medicaid townhall to hold Congressman Ryan Mackenzie accountable for refusing to show up and listen to how these devastating Medicaid cuts will impact the people he represents.

KYW: Pennsylvanians host their own townhall
WFMZ: Pennsylvanians call out Rep. Mackenzie for voting to cut Medicaid
Lehigh Valley News: Hundreds rally with Democrats over Medicaid threats, Trump cuts
Morning Call: At People’s Town Hall, Lehigh Valley residents and politicians attack Ryan Mackenzie, national Republicans

VIRGINIA

Tuesday, March 18 – Medicaid Roundtable with Congressman Bobby Scott and Health Care Advocates: Protect Our Care Virginia provided storytellers Yusun Beck and Sparkle Edwards as well as press support for Congressman Scott’s Medicaid roundtable. “House Republicans and President Trump have made their intentions clear,” said Congressman Scott. They’re going to try to cut the Medicaid program. The proposal includes $880 billion in cuts to the two programs under the jurisdiction of the Committee on Energy and Commerce.” You can watch the event here.

13NewsNow: Congressman Bobby Scott hosts Medicaid roundtable amid fears of cuts
13NewsNow: Hampton Roads caregivers raise alarm about possible cuts to Medicaid: ‘Devastated, afraid and shocked’
WAVY: Rep. Scott hosts Medicaid roundtable in Norfolk
WRIC: Rep. Scott hosts Medicaid roundtable

Tuesday, March 18 – Medicaid Press Conference with Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan and Health Care Advocates: Protect Our Care Virginia provided storyteller Aida Pacheco and press support for Congresswoman McClellan’s event. “House Republicans claim they’re not trying to cut Medicaid, yet the budget plan that they adopted, as the CBO has made clear, can only be achieved with cuts to Medicaid,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “Speaker Mike Johnson says that the people on Medicaid are 29-year-olds, sitting in their mom’s house playing video games. With all due respect, Mr. Speaker, that’s a lie.” You can listen to the event’s audio here, and view the post-event release here.

Virginia Mercury: ‘Not on our watch’: McClellan stresses congressional fight to defend Medicaid from potential cuts

Saturday, March 22 – “Cardboard Kiggans” Accountability Town Hall in Virginia Beach, VA: Protect Our Care Virginia provided staffing support for a “Cardboard Kiggans” accountability town hall with Affordable Virginia, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia, and Freedom Virginia. At the event, neighbors shared their stories and learned more about how this administration’s disastrous policies are impacting Hampton Roads.

WAVY: Cardboard Kiggans Town Hall (also ran during the 11pm, 6am, and 7am broadcasts)
13NewsNow: Cardboard Kiggans Town Hall

WEST VIRGINIA

Monday, March 24 – ACA Anniversary/ePTC/Medicaid Event with West Virginia Health Care Advocates: Health care advocates across West Virginia joined Protect Our Care West Virginia to highlight how the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has dramatically shifted West Virginia’s health care landscape, and the ongoing threats to American health care as the Affordable Care ACA turns 15 years old. “Fifteen percent of West Virginia’s hospitals are at immediate risk of closure, so if the ACA, Enhanced Premium Tax Credits and Medicaid expansion go away, those hospitals will likely close,” said Rich Sutphin, executive director of West Virginia Rural Health Association. “Then, all other hospitals in the state will have to evaluate whether they can afford to continue offering high quality care and expanded services.” You can watch the full event here, and read the post-event release here.

WISCONSIN

Thursday, March 20 – Medicaid Defense Roundtable with U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin and Health Care Advocates: U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin discussed the importance of Medicaid at a roundtable in Madison, WI. Joining the Senator were six Wisconsinites who would be directly impacted by the Republican budget plan that calls for slashing at least $880 billion from Medicaid to give tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy and big corporations. “This week, I’ve been traveling across the state to talk with families about what’s at stake as Republicans work overtime to terminate their health care and rip the rug out from under them,” said Senator Tammy Baldwin. “The bottom line is clear – people are really scared, and sadly, they have good reason to be. Republicans plan to slash Medicaid so they can fund their tax breaks for people like Elon Musk is wrong – and I am proud to stand with Wisconsinites and fight back.” You can view the post-event release here.

SPNWS: Senator Baldwin continues her “Hands Off Medicaid Tour” (also ran during the 6am, 7am, 8am, 9am, and 10am broadcasts)
WKOW-TV (ABC): Baldwin stops in Madison to discuss Medicaid cuts
WisPolitics: Protect Our Care: Sen. Baldwin sounds the alarm against GOP plans to slash Medicaid funding at Madison roundtable

Friday, March 21 – ACA Anniversary Event with Governor Tony Evers and Health Care Advocates: Governor Tony Evers joined Protect Our Care Wisconsin to highlight the ongoing threats to American health care as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) turns 15 years old. For over a decade, millions of Americans have been able to get quality and affordable health care through the ACA, and more Wisconsinites than ever are covered. “With the reckless actions coming out of Washington in recent weeks, it’s more important than ever to protect access to affordable health care here in Wisconsin and across our country,” said Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers. “I promise that, as long as I’m governor, we’re going to keep doing everything we can to fight this recklessness and make sure Wisconsinites receive health care that’s affordable and accessible.” You can watch the event here.

ashoup In News

NEW REPORT: Republicans Are Trading Our Health Care for Tax Breaks for Billionaires

Read the Full Report Here.

Washington, D.C. – Today, Protect Our Care is releasing a new report holding Republicans accountable for putting profits over people during their ongoing war on the American health care system. Republicans passed a budget that cuts nearly a trillion from Medicaid, putting more than 72 million Americans who count on Medicaid at risk of losing health care coverage. At the same time, they are trying to raise costs on millions of hard-working families by ending the cost-saving tax credits. As a result, insurance premiums would increase by an average of 90 percent and 5 million people would lose their health coverage. Donald Trump and Republicans are also endangering millions of lives by making indiscriminate cuts to our public health infrastructure, sabotaging the integral health care systems, such as the Affordable Care Act, and installing anti-vaccine zealot RFK Jr. as Secretary of HHS. Recent polling from Hart Research and Protect Our Care found there is broad opposition across party lines to major elements of the Republican health care agenda.

“Republicans are waging a full-scale war on American health care at the expense of hard-working families across the nation,” said Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach. “Their agenda is crystal clear: give tax breaks to billionaires by ripping away health care, leaving the American people, including their own constituents and voters, behind. Between slashing Medicaid and taking away health care tax credits, they continue to put profits over people and line the pockets of their friends like Elon Musk and big corporations. The American people want and deserve better.”

Report Key Points:

Here’s a closer look at what’s in store if Republicans get their way:

Slashing almost a trillion dollars from Medicaid, forcing people to choose between health care and putting food on the table. In every state, hundreds of thousands of seniors, children, and working families could lose their health insurance thanks to Republican plans to cut almost a trillion dollars from Medicaid.
Imposing burdensome work requirements for people on Medicaid: Republicans’ latest proposal of burdensome work requirements has one goal: make it harder for people to qualify for Medicaid, slash benefits, and deny up to 36 million people access to health care so they can fund more tax breaks for billionaires and corporations. Work requirements only increase the red tape that hard-working families must go through to obtain affordable health care.
Hiking premium costs: Millions of families who use private health insurance saved an average of $2,400 per year on their premiums thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act’s advanced premium tax credits, but Republicans want to end these savings and raise costs for over 24 million Americans.
Ripping away protections for people with pre-existing conditions: The GOP plans to repeal and sabotage the ACA, meaning the 135 million people with pre-existing conditions like asthma, cancer, and diabetes would lose critical protections that prevent insurance companies from charging them higher premiums or denying their coverage.
Raising prescription drug prices: Republicans want to once again give drug companies full control of padding their profits by banning Medicare from negotiating lower drug prices. This would raise government spending and increase costs for seniors and their families.
Stopping medical research, and stopping medical debt relief: Over the first three months of his administration, Donald Trump and his Republican allies have increased the prices of prescription drugs, including cancer and heart medications as well as vital antibiotics, delayed implementation of a Biden administration rule that barred medical debt from showing on credit reports, cut NIH grants, halted all studies and activities within the NIH relating in any capacity to LGBTQ+ health, including active research programs, and violated court orders to halt funding freezes to organizations like the NIH.
Keeping insulin costs high: Republicans rejected legislation to cap insulin costs for millions of people with diabetes nationwide. Now they want to raise costs for seniors by repealing the cap for people who rely on Medicare. As many as one in four of the 7.5 million Americans dependent on insulin are skipping or skimping on doses, a life-threatening practice no one in this country should have to bear.

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NEW ADS: Protect Our Care Launches Spanish-Language Ads About Damage GOP Medicaid Cuts Would Have on Hispanic Communities

Listen to All the Radio Ads Here.

Washington, D.C. – Protect Our Care is launching new Spanish-language radio ads featuring two women discussing the impact Republican Medicaid cuts will have on their families and communities. The new six-figure radio ad buy targets high reach, Spanish-language radio stations in seven Republican-held swing districts with significant Latino populations.

This Spanish-language ad buy is part of Protect Our Care’s ongoing 10-million-dollar “Hands Off Medicaid” campaign. The latest campaign activities also include TV, digital, and radio ads featuring a Trump voter and certified nursing assistant who is against Republican cuts to Medicaid, as well as a plan to launch direct mail in 10 Republican swing districts.

Recently, several Republican members of Congress wrote a letter highlighting the damage that Medicaid cuts would do to Latino communities, saying “slashing Medicaid would have serious consequences.” The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office reports that this Republican budget would require the largest Medicaid cut in history.

“The Republican effort to gut a program that one in three Latinos rely on for health care will have devastating impacts on Hispanic communities nationwide,” said Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach. “These ads expose Republicans for turning their backs on their Latino constituents just to give tax cuts to billionaires and big companies. Seniors in nursing homes, half of all Latino children, people with disabilities, and working families could lose access to care. These cuts will exacerbate financial instability in Latino communities and make nursing homes and hospitals more likely to close their doors. Latinos across the country are counting on Republicans to do the right thing and abandon these cuts to Medicaid.”

A recent report from UnidosUS makes it clear that cuts to Medicaid would have devastating consequences Latino families around the country: Medicaid covers one in three Latinos and half of all Latino children. Republicans’ plan to slash $880 billion in Medicaid funding would strip health insurance from millions of Latinos and take away their access to essential care, exacerbating health inequities and raising costs for working families at a time when too many struggle to make ends meet. Polling suggests Latino voters have overwhelmingly favorable views of Medicaid and disapprove of Republicans’ plans to gut Medicaid.

The ads will launch in the following districts: David Schweikert (AZ-01), David Valadao (CA-22), Young Kim (CA-40), Ken Calvert (CA-41), Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Rob Bresnahan (PA-08), and Dan Newhouse (WA-04).

Links to each of the minute-long radio ads can be found below:
David Schweikert (AZ-01)
David Valadao (CA-22)
Young Kim (CA-40)
Ken Calvert (CA-41)
Andrew Garbarino (NY-02)
Rob Bresnahan (PA-08)
Dan Newhouse (WA-04)

Sample Radio Ad Script for PA-08 – “On Our Side”:

Female Narrator 1: Con todas las cosas que estamos enfrentando cada día, ¿te imaginas si mis hijos se quedarán sin seguro médico? Si los republicanos en el Congreso logran aprobar su plan para recortar Medicaid, más de la mitad de nuestros hijos podrían perder su cuidado médico.
[English: With everything we are facing every day, can you imagine if my kids’ health care coverage got taken away? If Republicans in Congress are able to pass their plan to cut Medicaid, more than half of our kids could lose their health care.]

Female Narrator 2: Entonces, ¿qué pasaría la próxima vez que se enfermen?
[English: So what would happen next time they get sick?]

Female Narrator 1: A mí no me alcanza para pagar su seguro.
[English: I can’t afford to pay for their insurance.]

Female Narrator 2: Recortar Medicaid también significa que nuestros viejitos que necesitan cuidado médico a largo plazo perderán este beneficio.
[English: Cuts to Medicaid also mean that our elders in long-term care could lose health care too.]

Female Narrator 1: Uno de cada tres hispanos dependen de Medicaid, estos recortes serían un ataque directo contra nosotros.
[English: One out of three Hispanics rely on Medicaid – so cutting it would be a direct attack against us.]

Female Narrator 2: Mientras tanto los Republicanos en el Congreso aprueban otro recorte de impuestos para los multimillonarios.
[English: All while Republicans in Congress pass yet another tax cut for multimillionaires.]

Female Narrator 1: ¡Esto es una desgracia!
[English: This is a disgrace.]

Female Narrator 2: ¿Y el Congresista Bresnahan estará de nuestro lado? ¿O votará para quitarnos nuestro seguro médico? Llámalo al 202-225-5546 y dile que detenga los recortes a Medicaid. Pagado por Save My Care.
[English: Will Congressman Bresnahan be on our side? Or will he vote to take away our healthcare coverage? Call him at 202-225-5546 – Tell him to stop the cuts to Medicaid. Paid for by Save My Care.]

Sample Direct Mail Piece for PA-08:

NUEVOS ANUNCIOS: Protect Our Care Lanza Anuncios en Español Sobre el Daño que los Recortes Republicanos a Medicaid Tendrían en las Comunidades Hispanas

Escucha todos los anuncios de radio aquí.

Washington, D.C. – Protect Our Care está lanzando nuevos anuncios de radio en español que presentan a dos mujeres hablando sobre el impacto que los recortes republicanos a Medicaid tendrán en sus familias y comunidades. La nueva inversión de seis cifras en anuncios de radio se dirige a estaciones de radio en español de alta audiencia en siete distritos indecisos, controlados por republicanos, con poblaciones latinas significativas.

Esta compra de anuncios en español es parte de la campaña en curso de 10 millones de dólares “Hands Off Medicaid” (Medicaid No Se Toca) de Protect Our Care. Las últimas actividades de campaña también incluyen anuncios de televisión, digitales y de radio presentando a un votante de Trump y un asistente de enfermería certificado que está en contra de los recortes republicanos a Medicaid, así como un plan para el lanzamiento de correo directo en 10 distritos republicanos indecisos.

Recientemente, varios miembros republicanos del Congreso escribieron una carta destacando el daño que los recortes de Medicaid harían a las comunidades latinas, diciendo que “recortar Medicaid tendría graves consecuencias”. La Oficina de Presupuesto del Congreso, una organización no partidista, informa que este presupuesto republicano requeriría el mayor recorte de Medicaid de la historia.

“El esfuerzo republicano para desmantelar un programa del que uno de cada tres latinos depende para recibir atención médica tendrá impactos devastadores en las comunidades hispanas de todo el país”, dijo el presidente de Protect Our Care, Leslie Dach. “Estos anuncios exponen a los republicanos por dar la espalda a sus electores latinos sólo para recortar impuestos a los multimillonarios y a las grandes empresas. Ancianos en asilos, la mitad de todos los niños latinos, personas con discapacidades y familias trabajadoras podrían perder el acceso a la atención de salud. Estos recortes exacerbarán la inestabilidad financiera en las comunidades latinas y harán más probable que los hogares de ancianos y hospitales cierren sus puertas. Los latinos de todo el país cuentan con que los republicanos hagan lo correcto y abandonen estos recortes a Medicaid”.

Un informe reciente de UnidosUS deja en claro que los recortes a Medicaid tendrían consecuencias devastadoras para las familias latinas de todo el país: Medicaid cubre a uno de cada tres latinos y a la mitad de todos los niños latinos. El plan de los republicanos de recortar $880 mil millones en fondos de Medicaid despojaría del seguro médico a millones de latinos y les quitaría el acceso a la atención esencial, exacerbando las desigualdades de salud y aumentando los costos para las familias trabajadoras en un momento en que muchos luchan por llegar a fin de mes. Las encuestas sugieren que los votantes latinos tienen opiniones abrumadoramente favorables de Medicaid y desaprueban los planes de los republicanos para desmantelar Medicaid.

Los anuncios se lanzarán en los siguientes distritos: David Schweikert (AZ-01), David Valadao (CA-22), Young Kim (CA-40), Ken Calvert (CA-41), Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Rob Bresnahan (PA-08) y Dan Newhouse (WA-04).

Los enlaces a cada uno de los anuncios de radio de un minuto de duración se pueden encontrar a continuación:
David Schweikert (AZ-01)
David Valadao (CA-22)
Young Kim (CA-40)
Ken Calvert (CA-41)
Andrew Garbarino (NY-02)
Rob Bresnahan (PA-08)
Dan Newhouse (WA-04)

Ejemplo de Guión de Anuncio de Radio para PA-08 – “De nuestro lado”:

Narradora 1: Con todas las cosas que estamos enfrentando cada día, ¿te imaginas si mis hijos se quedarán sin seguro médico? Si los republicanos en el Congreso logran aprobar su plan para recortar Medicaid, más de la mitad de nuestros hijos podrían perder su cuidado médico.
[English: With everything we are facing every day, can you imagine if my kids’ health care coverage got taken away? If Republicans in Congress are able to pass their plan to cut Medicaid, more than half of our kids could lose their health care.]

Narradora 2: Entonces, ¿qué pasaría la próxima vez que se enfermen?
[English: So what would happen next time they get sick?]

Narradora 1: A mí no me alcanza para pagar su seguro.
[English: I can’t afford to pay for their insurance.]

Narradora 2: Recortar Medicaid también significa que nuestros viejitos que necesitan cuidado médico a largo plazo perderán este beneficio.
[English: Cuts to Medicaid also mean that our elders in long-term care could lose health care too.]

Narradora 1: Uno de cada tres hispanos dependen de Medicaid, estos recortes serían un ataque directo contra nosotros.
[English: One out of three Hispanics rely on Medicaid – so cutting it would be a direct attack against us.]

Narradora 2: Mientras tanto los Republicanos en el Congreso aprueban otro recorte de impuestos para los multimillonarios.
[English: All while Republicans in Congress pass yet another tax cut for multimillionaires.]

Narradora 1: ¡Esto es una desgracia!
[English: This is a disgrace.]

Narradora 2: ¿Y el Congresista Bresnahan estará de nuestro lado? ¿O votará para quitarnos nuestro seguro médico? Llámalo al 202-225-5546 y dile que detenga los recortes a Medicaid. Pagado por Save My Care.
[English: Will Congressman Bresnahan be on our side? Or will he vote to take away our healthcare coverage? Call him at 202-225-5546 – Tell him to stop the cuts to Medicaid. Paid for by Save My Care.]

Ejemplo de pieza de correo directo para PA-08:

ashoup In News

Medicaid is a Lifeline for Rural Communities, Republicans Want to Abandon Them to Pay for Tax Breaks for Billionaires

Twenty percent of the US population – about 66.3 million Americans – live in rural areas across the country, and around one in five of those Americans – over 12 million – are enrolled in Medicaid, including 47 percent of children in rural areas. Medicaid is a vital source of coverage for people across rural America, who are more likely to lack insurance, experience negative health outcomes, and encounter more barriers to accessing care. Rural communities generally also have lower rates of employer-sponsored coverage. Medicaid has built a foundation for resilience and remains vital for the growth and prosperity of rural families and their communities.

But Republicans are leaving rural Americans behind. By passing a budget that cuts nearly $1 trillion dollars from Medicaid to fund tax breaks for billionaires and the ultra-wealthy, Republicans are putting profits over people.

Protect Our Care is continuing its “Hands Off Medicaid” campaign with theme weeks to underscore the importance of Medicaid across the country. Alongside partners, lawmakers, and other advocates, Protect Our Care is working to defend Medicaid from the Republican-led plan to slash funding to pay for another round of tax cuts for the wealthy and big corporations. This week’s focus is the importance of Medicaid for rural Americans. Read more here.

If Republican Plans Succeed

Millions Of Rural Americans Depend On Medicaid. Over 12 million people on Medicaid reside in rural communities across the country.
Medicaid Helps To Maintain And Strengthen Rural Economies. Hospitals employ 10 percent of all employees in rural counties that report having any hospital employment. When rural hospitals close, communities can lose a staggering number of jobs, both within and outside of the health care sector. The closure of one rural hospital can eliminate 220 jobs immediately with ripple effects impacting thousands more.
Rural Americans Are Increasingly Isolated From Quality And Affordable Care. A 2023 NICHM study found that around 80 percent of rural Americans are medically underserved and that 12 percent of rural residents have to drive 60 minutes or more to the nearest hospital. Between 1999 and 2015, the rate of accidental death was almost 50 percent higher in rural areas than in urban areas with the CDC citing the distance between hospital facilities in rural areas.
Medicaid Is A Lifeline For Moms in Rural Communities. Medicaid covers 41 percent of births in the United States and pays for a greater share of births in rural areas than any other source of coverage. A majority of all births in several Republican-controlled states including Louisiana, Mississippi, and Oklahoma – which all have disproportionately larger rural populations, are covered by Medicaid.
Rural States Rely On Medicaid To Provide Affordable Health Care. Uninsurance rates in rural America are 2 to 3 percentage points higher than in urban areas. States that expanded Medicaid experienced a 7-point increase in insured rates after the passage of the Affordable Care Act.
Medicaid Keeps Rural Hospitals Open, Republicans Want Them Closed. Between 2010 and 2022, over 130 rural hospitals closed. Since 2020, 36 rural hospitals have closed and as of 2025 around 768 rural hospitals were found to be at risk of closing in the near future. A 2016 analysis that identified 673 rural hospitals at risk of closing estimated that if those hospitals shut down, 99,000 health care jobs in rural communities would be lost.

Rural Hospital Closures by State

Rural hospitals have consistently seen higher rates of uncompensated care, especially in states that have refused to expand Medicaid where uncompensated care is nearly 2.5 times higher than in expansion states. Across the board, states that have refused to expand Medicaid have seen worse rural hospital outcomes, more hospital closures, and worse overall care than in states that have expanded Medicaid. This disparity of access to care for rural Americans can be seen at all levels of the rural hospital closure crisis, and studies continue to suggest that expanding Medicaid in all 50 states could be the largest driver in slowing down emergency closures.

Data as of April 2024.

State

Hospital Closures Since 2005

Hospitals At Risk of Closing*

Hospitals at Immediate Risk of Closing**

Number of Rural Hospitals Left

Has This State Expanded Medicaid?

Alabama

Alaska

Yes (2015)

Arizona

Yes (2014)

Arkansas

Yes (2014)

California

Yes (2014)

Colorado

Yes (2014)

Connecticut

Yes (2014)

Delaware

Yes (2014)

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Yes (2014)

Idaho

Yes (2020)

Illinois

Yes (2014)

Indiana

Yes (2015)

Iowa

Yes (2014)

Kansas

101

Kentucky

Yes (2014)

Louisiana

Yes (2016)

Maine

Yes (2019)

Maryland

Yes (2014)

Massachusetts

Yes (2014)

Michigan

Yes (2014)

Minnesota

Yes (2014)

Mississippi

Missouri

Yes (2021)

Montana

Yes (2016)

Nebraska

Yes (2020)

Nevada

Yes (2014)

New Hampshire

Yes (2014)

New Jersey

Yes (2014)

New Mexico

Yes (2014)

New York

Yes (2014)

North Carolina

Yes (2023)

North Dakota

Yes (2014)

Ohio

Yes (2014)

Oklahoma

Yes (2021)

Oregon

Yes (2014)

Pennsylvania

Yes (2015)

Rhode Island

Yes (2014)

South Carolina

South Dakota

Yes (2023)

Tennessee

Texas

159

Utah

Yes (2020)

Vermont

Yes (2014)

Virginia

Yes (2019)

Washington

Yes (2014)

West Virginia

Yes (2014)

Wisconsin

Wyoming

*These hospitals do not have adequate net assets to offset their losses on patient services for more than 6-7 years
**These hospitals do not have adequate net assets to offset their losses on patient services for more than 2-3 years

ashoup In News, Press Call

THIS WEEK: Protect Our Care Continues Events Across the Country to Call On Republicans to Put an End to Their War on American Health Care

***MEDIA ADVISORY FOR MARCH 24 – MARCH 28***

Protect Our Care Holds Events In Alaska, Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, North Carolina, and West Virginia.

This week, Protect Our Care is hosting events across the nation headlined by North Carolina’s Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt, Minnesota’s Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Maine’s Assistant House Leader Lori Gramlich to call on Republicans to put an end to their war on health care. Republicans are trying to cut nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid to fund tax breaks for billionaires and big corporations. At the same time, they’re trying to take away critical tax credits from working families, which will raise premium costs for millions. Speakers will address the urgent need for Congress to stop Republican efforts to slash Medicaid and raise premiums, and they will call on lawmakers to protect affordable access to health care for Americans, not take it away.

Last week, Protect Our Care hosted events including U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, U.S. Representatives Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ-03), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Bobby Scott (VA-03), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY-08) in Arizona, Virginia, and New York. Protect Our Care, alongside SEIU, held Medicaid Week of Action events in Maine, Pennsylvania, and California to discuss the importance of Medicaid to patients, workers, and communities. Read headlines from past events here.

MONDAY

NEW HAMPSHIRE

WHO:
Jayme Simoes, POC New Hampshire
Ed Shanshala, CEO of Ammonoosuc Community Health Services, Inc.
Lisa Beaudoin, Disability Policy/Equity & Nonprofit Professional
Jake Berry, Vice President of Policy, New Futures

WHAT: ACA Anniversary/ePTC/Medicaid Event with State Health Care Advocates

WHERE: Zoom Registration Link

WHEN: Monday, March 24 at 10 AM ET

WEST VIRGINIA

WHO: Lynette Maselli, POC West Virginia
Ellen Allen, WVAHC
Rich Sutphin, West Virginia Rural Health Association
Laura Jones, Milan Puskar Health Right
Rhonda Rogombe, West Virginia Center on Budget & Policy

WHAT: ACA Anniversary/ePTC/Medicaid Event with West Virginians for Affordable Health Care and Advocates

WHERE: Zoom Registration Link

WHEN: Monday, March 24 at 11 AM ET

MAINE

WHO: Lori Gramlich, Asst. House Leader
Jakob Giron, Policy Advocate for Consumers for Affordable Health Care
Toby McGrath, State Director for Protect Our Care Maine
Rita Furlow, Senior Policy Analyst with the Maine Children’s Alliance

WHAT: ACA Anniversary Event with Assistant House Leader

WHERE: Zoom Registration Link

WHEN: Monday, March 24 at 12PM ET

THURSDAY

NORTH CAROLINA

WHO: Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt
Vanessa Watson, Protect Our Care North Carolina

WHAT: ACA Anniversary Roundtable with Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt

WHERE: Zoom Registration Link

WHEN: Thursday, March 27

ALASKA

WHO: Amber Lee, Protect Our Care Alaska

WHAT: Medicaid Townhall in Bethel with Local Health Care Providers

WHERE: Bethel, AK

WHEN: Thursday, March 27

FRIDAY

MINNESOTA

WHO: Attorney General Keith Ellison
Trent Andersen, Protect Our Care Minnesota

WHAT: ACA Anniversary Event with Attorney General Keith Ellison and Health Care Advocates

WHERE: Zoom Registration Link

WHEN: Friday, March 28

ashoup In News

HEADLINES: Lawmakers and Advocates Across The Country Stand Up For Medicaid, Reject Republican Health Care Cuts

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jefferies, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), U.S. Representatives Bobby Scott (D-VA-03), Ro Khanna (D-CA-17), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ-03), Governor Tony Evers (D-WI) Headlined Nationwide Events

Over the past week, members of Congress, local elected officials, and advocates joined events in Arizona, California, Iowa, Maine, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin, calling on Republicans to put an end to their war on health care. Right now, Republicans are trying to cut nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid to fund tax breaks for billionaires and big corporations. At the same time, they’re trying to raise premium costs by taking away critical tax credits from working families. Recent polling from Hart Research and Protect Our Care found there is broad opposition across party lines to major elements of the Republican health care agenda. Republican lawmakers are turning their backs on their constituents and their own voters by waging a war on health care.

Next week, Protect Our Care will continue with events in Alaska, California, Minnesota, New Hampshire, North Carolina, and West Virginia.

HEADLINES

Axios: Democrats Hammer GOP on Medicaid After Weeks of Turmoil

“Jeffries also held a press conference with Congressional Black Caucus chair Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.), saying Democrats will do ‘everything we have to do to stop these cuts from ever taking effect.’”

NY1: House Democrats Hold ‘Medicaid Day of Action’ to Call Attention to Expected Cuts

“‘Republicans have proposed the largest Medicaid cut in American history,’ Jeffries said at a nonprofit health clinic in Brooklyn, New York, which was attended by health care providers and Medicaid recipients. ‘It will devastate children, families, people with disabilities, older Americans, women and everyday Americans in this community, in the city of New York and across the country.’”

WKOW: Sen. Baldwin Stops in Madison to Discuss Potential Medicaid Cuts With Wisconsin Families

“The bottom line is clear – people are really scared, and sadly, they have good reason to be,” she said. “Republicans’ plan to slash Medicaid so they can fund their tax breaks for people like Elon Musk is wrong – and I am proud to stand with Wisconsinites and fight back.”

Arizona Mirror: ‘Make Them Fear Voters More Than Trump’: Kelly, Gallego Rally Against GOP Medicaid Cuts

“Kelly said that the ‘real stories’ of those who will be directly harmed by the cuts that President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans will pursue — a ‘high probability,’ in his estimation — to offset the cost of tax cuts are the most powerful weapons that voters have.”

13NewsNow: Congressman Bobby Scott Hosts Medicaid Roundtable Amid Fears of Cuts

“More than 1.4 million Virginians rely on Medicaid. ‘Everyone is one illness away from possibly being a Medicaid recipient,’ said Sparkle Edwards.”

13NewsNow: Hampton Roads Caregivers Raise Alarm About Possible Cuts to Medicaid: ‘Devastated, Afraid and Shocked’

“‘We need to make sure that people know that we are fighting for them and particularly don’t want people to think that they could lose their healthcare,’ Scott said. ‘All because Republicans want to fund tax cuts for the wealthy.’”

WAVY: Rep. Scott Hosts Medicaid Roundtable in Norfolk

“‘House Republicans and President Trump have made their intentions clear,’ Scott said. ‘They’re going to try to cut the Medicaid program.’ The proposal includes $880 billion in cuts to the two programs under the jurisdiction of the Committee on Energy and Commerce.”

Alaska Beacon: ‘We Are Done Waiting!’ Advocates and Supporters of Alaskans With Disabilities Rally at the Capitol

“‘If they cut Medicaid, not everybody is going to get their needs met. Not everybody’s going to have the correct medical coverage that they need. Not everybody’s going to be able to do the home modifications that they need,’ Kveum said. ‘So that’s why we’re here, and that’s why we’re advocating, so that people with disabilities that are seen and unseen can get services.’”

Virginia Mercury: ‘Not on Our Watch’: McClellan Stresses Congressional Fight to Defend Medicaid From Potential Cuts

“With over one million people in Virginia on Medicaid, about 630,000 of those could stand to lose coverage should Republicans in Congress cut federal funding, Democratic state lawmakers have stressed. U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond, added her voice to the chorus of warnings at a press conference at the statehouse on Tuesday afternoon. ‘We are here to say, ‘not on our watch and not without a fight,’’ McClellan said during her visit to Virginia’s Capitol.”

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Pennsylvania Advocates Warn of Devastating Impacts as Federal Medicaid Cuts Loom

“As the nation’s largest public health insurance program braces for massive cuts, Pennsylvania advocates are warning about what the state stands to lose. People with disabilities experiencing longer wait times for services that help them live independently, nursing homes losing funds for long-term care, children missing crucial health screenings — those were a few possibilities cited by policy experts during a virtual news conference on Tuesday.”

Times West Virginian: Protestors Demand Accountability From Congressional Republicans in Morgantown

“‘Half of our budget in West Virginia is federally funded,’ Shayla Klein, secretary for Mountaineers Indivisible, said. ‘Riley Moore knows this. He was the former treasurer. He’s our representative and he wants to cut funding for our federal programs. Doing any cuts to Medicaid would devastate West Virginia.’”

Politics PA: ‘Where is Scott Perry?’: Progressive Group Holds Town Hall, With Focus Largely on Medicaid Cuts

“As Republican lawmakers across the United States face backlash during town hall meetings, or refuse to host them at all, one group in central Pennsylvania held their own town hall Wednesday evening to tell U.S. Rep. Scott Perry how they feel about proposed Medicaid cuts, among other concerns.”

PennLive: ‘Where is Scott Perry?’: Progressive Group Holds Town Hall, With Focus Largely on Medicaid Cuts

“As Republican lawmakers across the United States face backlash during town hall meetings, or refuse to host them at all, one group in central Pennsylvania held their own town hall Wednesday evening to tell U.S. Rep. Scott Perry how they feel about proposed Medicaid cuts, among other concerns.”

The Keystone: Scott Perry Isn’t Holding Town Halls. His Constituents Did One Anyway, Aiming Ire at Trump, Musk

“Hundreds of Congressman Scott Perry’s (R-York) constituents crammed into AFSCME Council 13’s union hall just outside of Harrisburg on Wednesday for a town hall event, but there was one problem. Perry wasn’t in attendance.”

WGAL: US Rep. Scott Perry’s Constituents Urge Him to Protect Their Health Care

“‘Medicaid is the basic safety net that allows Pennsylvanians to survive. When you’re in your hardest time, the most vulnerable people need support sometimes to get access to health care,’ Catanese said.”

LA Times: Protesters Slam O.C. Republican Over Feared Trump Medi-Cal Cuts

“The group of about 200 workers, their supporters and constituents of Kim decried potential cuts to Medi-Cal, as Medicaid is known in California, and excoriated President Trump and tech titan Elon Musk, head of DOGE. The administration’s budget resolution proposes billions in tax and spending cuts.”

LA Times: After Party Rift on Shutdown, California Democrats Try to Refocus Budget Fight on Medicaid

“‘Our budget should be a statement of our national values. What is important to us should be reflected in that budget. But what we see now is an assault on our values as they make this assault on our budget,’ Rep. Nancy Pelosi said Tuesday at a UC San Francisco medical facility in her district, flanked by several other members of Congress, local doctors, community advocates and Medicaid recipients.”

LA Times: ‘I Wish You’d Be Angry.’ California Democrats Face Voter Fury Over Trump, Elon Musk

“Republican lawmakers who haven’t held town halls have seen protests outside their district offices. This week, about 200 healthcare workers, their unions and their supporters protested potential cuts to Medi-Cal, as Medicaid is known in California, outside the Anaheim Hills office of Rep. Young Kim.”

SF Chronicle: A Tale of Two Events: GOP Congressman Deflects on Medicaid Cuts, as Democrats Pounce

“On Tuesday, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, joined Sen. Adam Schiff and others in San Francisco for a press conference to raise the alarm about the dangers of cutting Medicaid, which roughly 1 in 3 Californians relies on for some form of health care.”

Bakersfield Californian: Democratic Congressman to Hold Town Hall in Bakersfield

“‘I want to hear from people directly impacted by Trump’s mass firings and the Republicans’ $880 billion in Medicaid cuts,’ Khanna said in a description of the event.”

Bakersfield Californian: Valadao Responds to Democrat’s Visit

“Khanna said Republicans are following orders to ‘dodge their constituents’ protests,’ referring to advice from House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, to not hold town-hall style meetings. Johnson claims paid protesters use such meetings to create a false narrative, according to the Associated Press.”

Bakersfield Californian: Second Out-Of-Town Democrat Announces Bakersfield Visit

“The town hall-style event comes just before another Democratic representative, Santa Clara’s Ro Khanna, will make an appearance at the Martin Luther King Jr. Park Community Center in Bakersfield at 11:30 a.m. Saturday.”

WisPolitics: Protect Our Care: Sen. Baldwin sounds the alarm against GOP plans to slash Medicaid funding at Madison roundtable

“This week, I’ve been traveling across the state to talk with families about what’s at stake as Republicans work overtime to terminate their health care and rip the rug out from under them,” said Senator Tammy Baldwin.

Washington Examiner: Fractured Democrats Grasp for Unity During ‘Day of Action’

Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ) will hold a press conference Tuesday morning with Protect Our Care and plans to hold a town hall that evening.These events and town halls come after Republicans were warned by National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Richard Hudson (R-NC) to stop holding in-person town hall meetings following the backlash Republicans have seen over Department of Government Efficiency cuts led by billionaire Elon Musk.

Alaska Current: Alaskans Turn To Empty-Chair Town Halls as Sullivan, Begich Duck Outrage Over Trump

“Concerned Citizens of Juneau will hold its town hall at the Mendenhall Public Library on Thursday from 6:30 to 8 p.m.The 907 Initiative is teaming up with several groups for an Anchorage town hall at the Loussac Library from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, titled the “Doormat Dan and Chicken Nick Town Hall.”

Lehigh Valley News: Hundreds Rally With Democrats Over Medicaid Threats, Trump Cuts

“More than 400 people filled the pews of a Southside church Thursday evening for a town hall meeting lacking its guest of honor, U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie.”

Morning Call: At People’s Town Hall, Lehigh Valley residents and politicians attack Ryan Mackenzie, national Republicans

“Lehigh Valley residents and national and local politicians went on the attack at a People’s Town Hall in Bethlehem, criticizing Republican spending cuts that they fear threaten Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security, and accusing their congressman, Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, of not meeting with his constituents.”

TELEVISION

WGAL: Calls for Townhalls
WGAL: Advocates Hold Their Own Townhall
KYW: Advocates sound the alarm on cuts to Medicaid
KYW: Advocates discuss the dangers of Medicaid cuts
WGAL: Frustration Boils Over
WGAL: Where is Scott Perry?
SPNWS: Senator Baldwin Continues Her “Hands Off Medicaid Tour”
KYW: Pennsylvanians host their own townhall
WFMZ: Pennsylvanians call out Rep. Mackenzie for voting to cut Medicaid
WAVY: Rep. Scott hosts Medicaid roundtable in Norfolk
WRIC: Rep. Scott hosts Medicaid roundtable

ashoup In News

THIS WEEK: Protect Our Care Continues Events Across the Country to Call On Republicans to Put an End to Their War on American Health Care

***MEDIA ADVISORY FOR MARCH 20 – MARCH 23***

Protect Our Care Holds Events In Alaska, Arizona, California, Iowa, Maine, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin

This week, Protect Our Care is hosting events across the nation headlined by U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), U.S. Representatives Ro Khanna (D-CA-17), and Governor Tony Evers (D-WI) to call on Republicans to put an end to their war on health care. Protect Our Care is also joining events alongside SEIU to discuss the importance of Medicaid to patients, workers, and communities. Republicans are trying to cut nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid to fund tax breaks for billionaires and big corporations. At the same time, they’re trying to take away critical tax credits from working families, which will raise premium costs for millions. Speakers will address the urgent need for Congress to stop Republican efforts to slash Medicaid and raise premiums, and they will call on lawmakers to protect affordable access to health care for Americans, not take it away.

Already, Protect Our Care has hosted events including U.S. Representatives Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ-03), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Bobby Scott (VA-03), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY-08) in Arizona, Virginia, and New York. Protect Our Care, alongside SEIU, held Medicaid Week of Action events in Maine, Pennsylvania, and California. Read headlines from the events below:

Arizona Mirror: ‘Make Them Fear Voters More Than Trump’: Kelly, Gallego Rally Against GOP Medicaid Cuts
13NewsNow: Congressman Bobby Scott Hosts Medicaid Roundtable Amid Fears of Cuts
13NewsNow: Hampton Roads Caregivers Raise Alarm About Possible Cuts to Medicaid: ‘Devastated, Afraid and Shocked’
WAVY: Rep. Scott Hosts Medicaid Roundtable in Norfolk
Virginia Mercury: ‘Not on Our Watch’: McClellan Stresses Congressional Fight to Defend Medicaid From Potential Cuts
Times West Virginian: Protestors Demand Accountability From Congressional Republicans in Morgantown
WGAL: Calls for Townhalls
WGAL: Advocates Hold Their Own Townhall
KYW
KYW

THURSDAY

ALASKA

WHO:
Advocates
SEIU caregivers
907 Initiative

WHAT: Medicaid Empty Suit Townhall

WHERE: Wilda Marston Theater at Loussac Library, 3600 Denali St, Anchorage, AK 99503

WHEN: Thursday, March 20 at 6 PM AKT // 10 PM ET

CALIFORNIA

WHO:
Activate America
Power CA Action
Poder Latinx
Dolores Huerta Foundation

WHAT: “Hands Off Our Healthcare” Town Hall

WHERE: Meitzenheimer Community Center, 830 S Blackstone Street, Tulare, CA 93274

WHEN: Thursday, March 20 at 6 PM PT // 9 PM ET

NEW YORK

WHO:
Long Island clergy and faith communities
Long Island Jobs with Justice
Healthcare Education Project
1199SEIU

WHAT: SEIU Medicaid Week of Action Faith Leaders Event

WHERE: Meitzenheimer Community Center, 830 S Blackstone Street, Tulare, CA 93274

WHEN: Thursday, March 20 at 12 PM ET

NORTH CAROLINA

WHO:
State Representative Julie von Haefen (D-NV-36)
Shannon Dingle, Little Lobbyists
Eric Schneidewind, Former AARP National President
Vanessa Watson, Protect Our Care North Carolina

WHAT: Medicaid Defense Press Conference

WHERE: Register for the Zoom here [Registration required]

WHEN: Thursday, March 20 at 11 AM ET

PENNSYLVANIA

WHO:
American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE)
Make The Road Pennsylvania
PA House Elected Officials
Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates
Michael Berman, Protect Our Care Pennsylvania

WHAT: SEIU Medicaid Week of Action “Medicaid Accountability Town Hall” in Bethlehem

WHERE: Cathedral Church of the Nativity, 321 Wyandotte St, Bethlehem, PA

WHEN: Thursday, March 20 at 6 PM ET

WISCONSIN

WHO:
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)
Tyler Engel, Storyteller
Chad Sobieck, Storyteller
Chris Witt, Advanced Employment/Host
Christie Whiting, Storyteller
Cindy Piotrow, Storyteller
Kathy Seiler, Storyteller
Joe Zepecki, Protect Our Care Wisconsin

WHAT: Medicaid Defense Press Conference

WHERE: Email Joe Zepecki at [email protected] for location

WHEN: Thursday, March 20 at 10 AM CT // 11 AM ET

FRIDAY

ALASKA

WHO:
SEIU caregivers
Medicaid advocates

WHAT: Medicaid Stories Postcard Dropoff

WHERE: 510 L Street Suite 600 Anchorage, AK 99501

WHEN: Friday, March 21 at 3 PM AKT // 7 PM ET

IOWA

WHO:
Laura Packard, ACA Advocate & Cancer Survivor
MJ, Margarida Jorge, Health Care & Tax Policy Expert
Amy Adams, Protect Our Care Iowa

WHAT: ACA Anniversary Press Conference

WHERE: Register for the Zoom here [Registration required]

WHEN: Friday, March 21 at 12 PM CT // 1 PM ET

WISCONSIN

WHO:
Governor Tony Evers (D-WI)
Cierra Chesir, Storyteller
Krisjon Olson, Storyteller
Joe Zepecki, Protect Our Care Wisconsin

WHAT: ACA Anniversary Press Conference

WHERE: Register for the Zoom here [Registration required]

WHEN: Friday, March 21 at 10:30 AM CT // 11:30 AM ET

SATURDAY

NEW YORK

WHO:
Health care advocates

WHAT: Medicaid Week of Action Town Hall

WHERE: Dramatic Hall, 900 Main St., Peekskill, NY

WHEN: Saturday, March 22 at 1 PM ET

VIRGINIA

WHO:
Health care advocates

WHAT: Medicaid Week of Action Rally

WHERE: VA-02

WHEN: Saturday, March 22 at TBA

SUNDAY

CALIFORNIA

WHO:
U.S. Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA-17)
California Medicaid advocates and storytellers

WHAT: Benefits Over Billionaires Tour

WHERE: Martin Luther King Community Center, 1000 S Owens St, Bakersfield, CA 93307

WHEN: Sunday, March 23 at 11:30 AM PST

WHO:
U.S. Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA-17)
California Medicaid advocates and storytellers

WHAT: Benefits Over Billionaires Tour

WHERE: Norco College Amphitheater, 2001 Third St, Norco, CA 92860

WHEN: Sunday, March 23 at 4:30 PM PST

WHO:
U.S. Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA-17)
California Medicaid advocates and storytellers

WHAT: Benefits Over Billionaires Tour

WHERE: Peralta Canyon Park, 115 N Pinney Dr, Anaheim, CA 92807

WHEN: Sunday, March 23 at 7 PM

Medicaid

GOP War on Health Care: Headlines Across the Nation Reveal Broad Opposition to Republican Scheme to Slash Medicaid

FACT SHEET: Seniors and Their Families Count On Medicaid, But Republicans Want to Slash It to Give Tax Breaks to the Rich

This Medicaid Awareness Month, We’re Exposing the Republican Scheme to Slash Medicaid to Fund Tax Breaks for Billionaires

IN THE STATES: Lawmakers and Advocates Demand an End to the Republican War on Health Care

NEW REPORT: Republicans Are Trading Our Health Care for Tax Breaks for Billionaires

NEW ADS: Protect Our Care Launches Spanish-Language Ads About Damage GOP Medicaid Cuts Would Have on Hispanic Communities

NUEVOS ANUNCIOS: Protect Our Care Lanza Anuncios en Español Sobre el Daño que los Recortes Republicanos a Medicaid Tendrían en las Comunidades Hispanas

Medicaid is a Lifeline for Rural Communities, Republicans Want to Abandon Them to Pay for Tax Breaks for Billionaires

State

Hospital Closures Since 2005

Hospitals At Risk of Closing*

Hospitals at Immediate Risk of Closing**

Number of Rural Hospitals Left

Has This State Expanded Medicaid?

THIS WEEK: Protect Our Care Continues Events Across the Country to Call On Republicans to Put an End to Their War on American Health Care

HEADLINES: Lawmakers and Advocates Across The Country Stand Up For Medicaid, Reject Republican Health Care Cuts

THIS WEEK: Protect Our Care Continues Events Across the Country to Call On Republicans to Put an End to Their War on American Health Care

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