AFSCME Fights Medicaid Cuts Threatening Home Care and Public Services

Medicaid Cuts Threaten Essential Home Care Services

As debates over federal budget allocations intensify, proposed cuts to Medicaid funding raise significant concerns among home care providers and the vulnerable populations they serve. The planned reductions, aimed at financing tax breaks for billionaires, could severely impact essential services that many Americans rely on.

Sabrina Bishop, a dedicated home care provider from California and member of the United Domestic Workers, highlights the dire consequences these cuts could have on her clients. Bishop serves three clients, including two disabled veterans and an individual receiving care through California’s In-Home Support Services (IHSS), a program funded by Medicaid.

Bishop's responsibilities encompass a wide range of services, from medication management to personal care tasks like bathing, cleaning, and meal preparation. For clients like Mike, who is in the end-stage of dementia, Bishop’s support is critical. “He is at the end-stage of dementia. He is unable to communicate. He can’t dial 911,” Bishop explains. Her presence ensures that he can live safely and with dignity.

The significance of Medicaid funding in sustaining these services cannot be overstated. Bishop emphasizes that without it, many individuals would miss out on crucial daily care. “Many of the folks who rely on funding from Medicaid don’t have family who can help with around-the-clock care,” she says.

The potential cuts could exacerbate an already challenging situation for caregivers. Bishop warns that many may leave the profession due to unsustainable conditions, noting, “It’s just impossible to support themselves while supporting others if their funding gets cut even more. You can often make more working at In-N-Out.”

The looming shortage of home care providers is a significant concern, with thousands already awaiting care. Bishop fears that further reductions in Medicaid could leave seniors and disabled individuals stranded without necessary support.

Bishop urges Congress to reconsider, pointing out that anyone could find themselves in need of care due to unforeseen circumstances like illness or accidents. “Don’t be so quick to cut funding for Medicaid. You yourself may end up needing a caregiver,” she cautions.

In response to these threats, Bishop and her fellow union members are actively mobilizing to defend Medicaid. Recently, over 500 members gathered to strategize against the proposed cuts, with the United Domestic Workers making more than 2,000 calls to Congress to voice their opposition.

As part of the broader Get Organized campaign, AFSCME aims to counteract the efforts of anti-union groups and their influential allies. “It’s time for workers to Get Organized. Let’s GO,” they proclaim, determined to protect the public services and worker rights at stake.