AFSCME Nurses Rally in D.C. to Oppose Proposed Medicaid Budget Cuts

Healthcare Professionals Stand Firm Against Proposed Medicaid Cuts

In the heart of Washington, D.C., a determined group of healthcare professionals from AFSCME gathered to voice their concerns over potential Medicaid budget cuts. Among them was Kadi Gonzalez, a seasoned registered nurse and a devoted mother, whose personal experiences underscored the importance of Medicaid-funded services.

Gonzalez’s son, Anthony, who is neurodiverse, has greatly benefited from such services, transforming from a struggling student to a straight-A achiever with an active social life. This transformation highlights the crucial role Medicaid plays in supporting vulnerable families across the nation.

Advocates Rally in Congress

Joining Gonzalez were nearly 70 other healthcare workers, including members from UNAC/UCHP, NUHHCE, and District 1199J. Their mission: to urge Congress to shield Medicaid from significant budget reductions.

Their campaign was timed with anticipated budget cuts by political leaders aiming to redirect funds towards tax reductions for the affluent. AFSCME members, advocating for the prevention of $880 billion cuts to Medicaid, emphasized the potential impact on healthcare facilities ranging from emergency rooms to home care services.

Gina Yarborough, a physical therapist, recounted to California Sen. Alex Padilla’s staff the story of a young patient who benefited from Medicaid-funded surgery, stating, “Without that investment upfront, these children will face ongoing challenges that could have been prevented.”

Echoing this sentiment, Vicky Navarro, a fellow nurse, warned, “If we get rid of Medicaid, these patients will have nowhere to go.”

Long-term Consequences of Medicaid Cuts

Patricia Garcia, a New Jersey-based nurse, highlighted to Sen. Cory Booker’s office the cost-efficiency of Medicaid in preventing expensive future healthcare costs. “Medicine is cheap,” she noted, “putting someone in the hospital for 20 days is expensive.”

The healthcare professionals also expressed concerns about the broader implications of these cuts, including potential staff shortages, layoffs, and even hospital closures, which could deprive communities of essential healthcare services.

Jamie Hirsch of 1199J articulated the threat to union security, stating, “We have a lot of members employed because of Medicaid.”

Mobilizing Against Cuts

This initiative is a segment of AFSCME’s Get Organized campaign, aimed at defending essential programs like Medicaid, Social Security, and Medicare from being diminished. The campaign opposes efforts that prioritize tax cuts for the wealthy at the expense of crucial services for working Americans.

In their collective effort, AFSCME members remain steadfast in their resolve to protect Medicaid and ensure that vital support continues for patients like Anthony and countless others.