Nurse Missy Bennett Fights Cuts to Medicaid and Medicare Services
Editorial StaffNursing Assistant Raises Alarm Over Congressional Health Care Cuts
Today marks AFSCME’s Lower Health Care Costs Day of Action, highlighting the impact of recent legislative decisions on health care funding. Illinois nursing assistant Missy Bennett shares her perspective on how these changes threaten essential services. Concerned citizens are encouraged to contact their Congressional representatives to advocate for restoring funding and reducing health care costs.
According to Bennett, who serves at DuPage County Care Center and leads AFSCME Local 3352, the "Big Beautiful Bill" has severe implications. Intended budget cuts extend beyond fiscal adjustments, affecting seniors, families, and caregivers reliant on Medicaid and Medicare for survival.
“People really need the services we provide,” Bennett stated. “Cuts to Medicaid and Medicare will directly affect us and our residents. Without our help, people will not get proper care or qualified assistance. That puts a greater burden on their family members, who may have to leave their own jobs to care for a loved one.”
Bennett emphasizes the vulnerability of working families and caregivers due to these cuts, which coincide with tax breaks for affluent corporations and billionaires. The legislation jeopardizes jobs in caregiving and the quality of care for residents with limited alternatives.
“We already have a shortage of CNAs,” Bennett remarked. “With more cuts, how can we keep caregivers and hire more?”
The residents at Bennett's facility share her concerns. “Many watch the news. They know what is happening. I do not want them to have to think about who will care for them if I have to leave this facility,” she added.
To oppose policies favoring wealth over welfare, AFSCME members encourage collective action. Individuals can get organized and join the movement advocating for the health care needs of working people.
