In the image below, you can see my family in 2013, just moments after the birth of our second child. It was one of the most beautiful and joyful times of my life, filled not only with happiness but also immense relief.
What you may not realize from this snapshot is that throughout my pregnancy, I was consumed with anxiety about welcoming a new addition to our family. My husband had recently lost his job and was still searching for employment. We were living on a shoestring budget, barely getting by with unemployment benefits, SNAP (food assistance), generous family support, and dwindling savings.
When my husband lost his job after a decade of stable employment, we also lost our health coverage. Thankfully, we were fortunate enough to qualify for Medicaid. This program took care of my prenatal appointments (including all necessary tests), the birth itself, and pediatric visits for our older son. Once our newborn arrived, his wellness checkups and vaccinations were also covered, along with an ultrasound that he required.
The fact that we didn’t have to pay any copayments through Medicaid was a blessing; at that time, we couldn’t afford even the smallest out-of-pocket expenses. To say that Medicaid was a lifesaver for us would be an understatement. My husband’s job loss occurred at the worst possible moment, leaving us with no alternatives but Medicaid.
That’s why I feel deeply pained—truly heartbroken—when I hear about the proposed cuts to Medicaid in the upcoming health care bill being considered by the Senate. As reported by the New York Times, this bill represents one of the most significant rollbacks of Medicaid benefits in history.
“This is the most consequential change in 50 years for low-income people’s health care,” says Sarah Johnson, the director of the Center for Family Health at a well-regarded university. “This is a massive change that has hardly been discussed.” Medicaid functions as a partnership between federal and state governments. The repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) would severely reduce the federal contribution to Medicaid. This means that states would either need to find alternative funding or cut back on Medicaid coverage for low-income individuals—children, the elderly, and those most in need.
According to the Congressional Budget Office, these changes could lead to over $800 billion in Medicaid spending cuts over the next decade. This is essentially a blatant disregard for the needs of low-income and struggling families in America, which is simply unacceptable.
And contrary to misconceptions, it’s important to clarify that the majority of Medicaid recipients are employed, often in low-wage jobs that do not provide health insurance. The narrative that those in need of Medicaid should “just get a job” is not only wrong but perpetuates harmful stereotypes.
The impact of these cuts extends beyond low-income families like mine. You might be surprised to learn that Medicaid covers a wide range of medical services. The New York Times highlights that Medicaid is responsible for covering about half of all births in the U.S. and provides prenatal care for millions of mothers. Additionally, 40% of American children depend on it for health insurance. How can we accept cuts that would affect nearly half of the mothers and children in our nation?
Moreover, Medicaid is not solely for impoverished individuals. It funds long-term nursing care for approximately two-thirds of Americans, many of whom belong to the middle class. It also assists people with disabilities who require services that their private health insurance may not cover.
It’s no surprise that medical organizations like the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Academy of Pediatrics have vehemently opposed this bill. Anyone who works in the medical field understands the potential devastation these cuts would bring to vulnerable populations. It should be evident to anyone with compassion and empathy that this issue transcends politics.
I am certain that my family’s experience is not unique. Many individuals rely on Medicaid daily, and countless others will need it in the future.
However, we have the power to make our voices heard. One of the most impactful actions we can take is to share our stories. Our firsthand accounts of how vital health insurance has been for our families must be communicated loudly and clearly, especially to those lawmakers who may be undecided on this bill.
If you have a personal story to share, I encourage you to do so. Post it on social media, tag your representatives, and reach out directly to them (don’t hesitate to express your emotions—I’ve been there). Tools like Resistbot can help you send letters and faxes to convey your message.
Encourage your friends to share their experiences as well. Even if you don’t have a specific story related to the health care bill, you can still make your voice heard by calling representatives, showing up at their offices, and expressing your outrage.
While this situation might not directly affect you today, it could in the future, and it certainly impacts those around you. We must recognize that such sweeping and harmful changes to the well-being of millions of Americans will ultimately resonate with us all. This is not merely a political issue; it is a fundamental human rights issue. It’s time for us to unite and advocate for what is right, fair, and just for all our fellow citizens.
In summary, Medicaid has been a critical lifeline for many families, including mine. The proposed cuts in the health care bill threaten the well-being of countless individuals and families across the nation. It is essential that we share our stories and engage with lawmakers to advocate against these devastating changes. For more information on pregnancy and Medicaid, check out Healthline. For those interested in family planning, visit our informative post on at-home insemination kits.
Together, we can make a significant impact.