News

New Polling Shows Hispanic Voters Are Overwhelmingly Favorable Towards Medicaid

As House Republicans prepare to vote later today on cutting Medicaid in order to fund tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy, the consequences are coming into clear view. Medicaid cuts threaten health care for over 70 million Americans and Hispanic families would disproportionately suffer. In polling from Protect Our Care and Hart Research last month, Hispanic voters surveyed are overwhelmingly favorable towards Medicaid and would disapprove of Republicans’ extreme plans to slash Medicaid funding.

Recently, eight House Republicans have expressed their concern that Medicaid cuts could disproportionately impact their Hispanic constituents. Medicaid is a crucial lifeline for the Hispanic community. Medicaid covers 20.3 million Hispanic Americans – a third of the Hispanic community – more than half of all Hispanic children, and 3 in 10 Hispanic seniors. Medicaid provided maternity care to 58 percent of Hispanic mothers in 2021.

Polling

Among the Hispanic voters surveyed: 

• Are overwhelmingly favorable towards Medicaid by 68 points (80% favorable vs. 12% unfavorable).
• Only 10% support cutting the amount that the federal government spends on health care, with 62% wanting an increase and 20% wanting it to stay the same.
• 72% would disapprove (46% strongly disapprove) of Republicans in Congress making major cuts to Medicaid.
• 73% of Hispanic voters either depend on Medicaid themselves, have a family member or relative who does, or know someone who is close to them who does. 

Hart Research Associates surveyed voters nationwide from January 16 to January 20, 2025. The survey included an oversample of Hispanic voters (n=182). 41% of the Hispanic voters survey backed a Republican candidate for Congress in 2024. The full results are available online here.

Background

• REPORT: The Republican War on Health Care: Medicaid Cuts for Millions, Tax Cuts for the Ultra-Wealthy
• Fact Sheet: Republicans Want To Rip Away Health Care From Over 72 Million Americans on Medicaid

As members of Congress headed home over the recess, Republican lawmakers were hit by a deluge of pleas to protect Medicaid for the 72 million Americans who rely on it for health care. From California to Maine, during town halls and press conferences, constituents across the country made it clear: cuts to Medicaid are unacceptable. 

Tomorrow, Republicans in the House of Representatives will vote on their budget resolution after the GOP Senate approved its own last week. Recent reporting shows congressional Republicans intend to slash Medicaid funding by at least $880 billion and up to $2 trillion to give tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy and big corporations, resulting in millions losing coverage, including children, new moms, seniors, and people with disabilities. Last week, President Trump endorsed the House budget plan and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick confirmed the GOP plan to dismantle Medicaid includes at least “a trillion” in cuts. Americans across party lines oppose cuts to Medicaid, and new polling finds that a majority of Americans think the government should spend more on health care — not less.

HEADLINES:

New York Times: Republicans Face Angry Voters at Town Halls, Hinting at Broader Backlash.

• “It was a nod to the uncertainty surrounding the Republican budget plan, even as House leaders hope to hold a vote on it within days. Already, the level of cuts they are contemplating to Medicaid has drawn resistance from some G.O.P. lawmakers whose constituents depend heavily on the program, raising questions about whether they will have the votes to pass their blueprint at all.”

Axios: Some Republicans Shrug Off DOGE Protests and Town Halls.

• “Why it matters: The muted reaction signals at least some willingness, even by electorally vulnerable Republicans, to continue marching into this firestorm on behalf of the president to whom they’ve tethered their fates.”
• “‘House Republicans have galvanized voters across the country to come out in protest against their Medicaid cuts, veteran layoffs, and defunding of health care for 9/11 first responders,’ said CJ Warnke, a spokesperson for Democrats’ House Majority PAC.”

New York Times: Medicaid Cuts Pose Budget Conundrum for Valadao and Republicans Nationwide.

• “With the House in recess this week, angry constituents across the country, even in deep-red districts, confronted Republicans about the sharp cuts they are proposing and Mr. Trump is making to every corner of the government.”
• “Further complicating the picture for Republicans, Mr. Trump promised on the campaign trail not to touch Medicare — and added in an interview that aired this week that he also did not want to lay a finger on Medicaid. The next day, he endorsed the House blueprint that calls for doing just that.”

Wisconsin Public Radio: US Rep. Glenn Grothman Faces Hostile Crowd at Oshkosh Town Hall Meeting.

• “One woman asked Grothman if he would oppose the House’s upcoming government funding bill if it includes cuts to Social Security and Medicaid. ‘Certainly, if Social Security is cut,’ he answered. ‘And Medicaid, we’ll have to see.’ In response to a different question, Grothman said cutting Medicaid funding ‘would be a mistake.’”

Hermiston Herald: Bentz’s Pendleton Town Hall Draws Major Crowd, Criticism.

• “Harry Geller, CEO of CHI St. Anthony Hospital in Pendleton, was one of a few people asking about Medicare and Medicaid. Bentz said he understands how ‘terrifically important’ rural hospitals are and told Geller someone from his office would reach out.”

The New Republic: Republican Congressman Faces Backlash at Town Hall Furious at Trump.

• “McCormick’s comments on Medicare and Medicaid also drew immediate backlash. ‘If you don’t do something with Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, which is 75 percent of our budget–’ This comment, a far cry from the Republicans’ earlier promise not to touch these programs, led to an uproar from the crowd, as some constituents even yelled out ‘no it isn’t’ in response to the 75 percent line McCormick rattled off. Others implored him to tax billionaires rather than cut programs that people use every day.”

The Arizona Republic: Rep. Juan Ciscomani Signals Doubt About GOP’s Proposed Medicaid Spending Cuts.

• “Slashing Medicaid, which is a government health insurance program for primarily low-income people, ‘would have serious consequences, particularly in rural and predominantly Hispanic communities where hospitals and nursing homes are already struggling to keep their doors open,’ Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., and seven other Hispanic GOP members of the House of Representatives wrote in a Feb. 19 letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.”
• “The advocacy group Protect Our Care has invested in a “Hands Off Medicaid” campaign that’s part of a $10 million national effort. The campaign includes examples of how the program helps lower-income people access care without going into medical debt.”

Politico: California Playbook: Can Valadao Avoid His Health Care Kryptonite?

• “The Republican congressman, whose Central Valley district is being bombarded with TV ads pressuring him not to slash Medicaid, is parrying the Democratic-led campaign by withholding his support for a House resolution to cut at least $1.5 trillion from the federal budget — a goal that would be impossible to meet without reductions to the popular health care program.”

Georgia Public Broadcasting: Georgia Today: Possible Medicaid Cuts; Child Care Tax Credit; Postmaster General Dejoy to Step Down.

• “Republicans are weighing billions of dollars in cuts to Medicaid, jeopardizing health care coverage for some of the 80 million U.S. adults and children enrolled in the safety net program. Georgia’s Democratic congressional delegation says possible cuts to Medicaid will endanger those who depend on it, and among those people are seniors. Georgia Representative Hank Johnson says more than 60% of nursing home patients are on Medicaid.”

Fox23: State Lawmaker Joins Portland Rally Against Medicaid Cuts.

• “Members of the group “Protect Our Care Maine” say potential budget cuts could jeopardize funding for hospitals, strain the state budget, and hurt Maine families.”
• “‘The GOP is putting healthcare at risk for 417,000 or 30% of Mainers, including 61,000 seniors, 109,000 children, and 60,000 people with disabilities,’ State Rep. Anne Graham said.”

Maine Morning Star: U.S. Senate Dems Issue Warning on ‘Massive Cuts’ to Medicaid Predicted in GOP Budget.

• “Pushback also occurred in Maine on Wednesday, with State Rep. Annie Graham (D-North Yarmouth) joining Protect Our Care, a Democratic-aligned health care advocacy group, for a press conference in Portland to similarly criticize possible GOP cuts to Medicaid. Since rural communities rely on Medicaid more than urban areas, cuts to the federal program would hurt states like Maine disproportionately, potentially leaving thousands in the state without affordable health care.”

WGME: State Lawmaker Joins Portland Rally Against Medicaid Cuts.

• “A state lawmaker joined a group in Portland on Wednesday, calling for the protection of Medicaid funding and slamming proposed cuts by President Trump and Congress. Members of the group “Protect Our Care Maine” say potential budget cuts could jeopardize funding for hospitals, strain the state budget, and hurt Maine families.”

Maine Public: Health Care Advocates Are Calling On State Lawmakers to Protect Medicaid Funding.

• “At a Portland press conference Wednesday, some raised concerns that failure to pass the supplemental budget next week will jeopardize funding for hospitals, strain the state budget and prevent Mainers from receiving the care they need.”

The Tip Sheet: Experts Warn Medicaid Cuts Threaten New Hampshire’s Budget and Health Care Access.

• “Research Director, New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute and Lisa Beaudoin – Disability policy professional, Strategies for Disability Equity joined Protect Our Care NH to highlight the devastating impact of proposed Medicaid funding cuts on New Hampshire’s families, hospitals, and state budget. The discussion focused on how block grants, spending caps, and restrictive reporting measures could force the state to absorb up to $493 million annually in lost federal Medicaid funds, putting essential health care services at risk.”

Long Island Herald: Medicaid Cuts Threaten Long Island Healthcare Access.

• “According to Nate Jackson, NY Director of Protect our Care, these cuts will hurt Long Island families, jeopardize funding for hospitals and strain the state healthcare budget. Children, new moms, seniors and people with disabilities across Nassau and Suffolk counties rely on Medicaid to cover essential health care costs.”

NCNewsline: US, NC Representatives Blast GOP Plan to Slash Medicaid Funding for North Carolina.

• “U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross and state Rep. Sarah Crawford spoke at a virtual press conference Wednesday sponsored by the advocacy group Protect Our Care to condemn congressional Republicans for including cuts to Medicaid funding in their latest proposed budget plan.”

Lehigh Valley News: Outside Congressman’s Office, Protesters Make Noise Over Potential Medicaid Cuts.

• “Bearing signs and chanting, “Stand up, fight back!,” more than 100 protesters gathered outside U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie’s office Wednesday to urge him to stand against potential cuts to Medicaid.”

WFMZ: Rally Held Outside Local Congressman’s Office, as Lawmakers Consider Cutting Funding From Medicaid.

• “A rally was held outside Congressman Ryan Mackenzie’s South Cedar Crest, 7th Congressional District office. ‘He’s going to vote on this and it’s going to be so tight, every vote is going to make a difference. He can make a difference to our kids,’ said pediatrician Linda Famigilo.”

Fox43: PA. Healthcare Workers Rally Against Medicaid Cuts Concerns in Nursing Care Push.

• “Healthcare workers from across Pennsylvania gathered in Cumberland County for a rally this week, voicing their concerns about the future of skilled nursing facilities and possible Medicaid funding cuts.”

WJAC: Area residents protest proposed cuts to Medicaid

• “Local residents were protesting in Blair County on Friday, outside of Representative John Joyce’s office, ahead of a vote on a budget that could affect Medicaid.”

WTAJ: Local federal, healthcare workers demand Joyce vote ‘no’ to Medicaid cuts

• “Local veterans, federal employees and healthcare workers protested outside of Congressman John Joyce’s (R-13th District) Altoona office Friday, asking him to vote, “No” to proposed cuts to Medicaid spending.”

Altoona Mirror: Dozens protest Medicaid cuts

• “About 25 individuals demonstrated Friday in front of the local office of U.S. Rep. John Joyce, R-Altoona, in opposition to the Trump administration’s budget proposal to cut billions from Medicaid, a federal-state program that covers health care costs for people with limited income and resources.”

Dominion Post: Local Health Systems Concerned Over Possible Medicaid Cuts.

• “The Trump administration effort to trim the federal deficit and the national debt has many worried that Medicaid might take a hit – affecting the healthcare for low-income citizens.”

Your Alaska Link: Alaskans Rally Against Trump’s Government Overhaul, Demanding Change.

• “People are protesting right along the street here to protect their democracy, Medicaid, access to education and other rights.”
• “‘Don’t take the Medicare and Medicaid. Do not let the children starve, people. It doesn’t matter what party you’re on,’ stated Ana.”

Detroit News: Opinion: Brian Peters: Protecting Medicaid Protects Michigan.

Brian Peters is CEO of the Michigan Health and Hospital Association.

• “As the CEO of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association, I know firsthand what Medicaid cuts would do to hospitals, essential services, Michigan’s healthcare industry and the economy as a whole. Medicaid is an important program across all state hospitals, but especially for the 65 rural hospitals that depend on it to keep their doors open.”

VIDEOS

California

• KPFA: Health Care Policy Advocate Leslie Dach Analyzes the New Republican Budget With Proposed Radical Dismantling of Medicare and Medicaid.
• KUSI [San Diego FOX]
• KPBS [San Diego NPR]
• KOGO [San Diego Radio]
• KNSD [San Diego NBC]
• KGTV [San Diego ABC]

Iowa

• WHO-DM: Iowans call on Rep. Nunn to save Medicaid
• KDSM: Iowans deliver a petition to Rep. Nunn’s office

North Carolina

• WPTF: Protect Our Care launches a multimillion dollar “Hands Off Medicaid” campaign
• WPTF: Protect Our Care launches a multimillion dollar “Hands Off Medicaid” campaign 
• WPTF: Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach Interview

 

Headlines Across The Nation Show Americans Agree That Large Cuts to Medicaid Proposed by the GOP Are a Bad Idea

Over the past week, Democratic lawmakers and health care advocates joined Protect Our Care for 14 events across 11 states to tell Republicans to tell Congress that Medicaid cuts must be off the table as Republicans negotiate a budget reconciliation package. Protect Our Care also hosted an event with Democratic governors in Washington D.C. to call out the dangerous plans to cut Medicaid and how it would impact the states. 

Recent reporting shows congressional Republicans intend to slash Medicaid funding by at least $880 billion and up to $2 trillion to give tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy and big corporations, resulting in millions losing coverage, including children, new moms, seniors, and people with disabilities. This week, President Trump endorsed the House budget plan while Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick has confirmed the GOP plan to dismantle Medicaid, saying Elon Musk will cut at least “a trillion” from Medicaid. Americans across party lines oppose cuts to Medicaid, and new polling finds that a majority of Americans think the government should spend more on health care — not less. 

NATIONAL

On Thursday, Governors Josh Green, M.D. (HI), Michelle Lujan Grisham (NM), Ned Lamont (CT), Tina Kotek (OR), and Matt Meyer (DE) joined Protect Our Care to highlight how Medicaid is a lifeline in their states.

NBC: Democratic Governors Warn Against Potential Medicaid Cuts in Upcoming Budget Package.

• “Democratic governors in town for the National Governors Association conference railed against Republican proposals to cut billions of dollars in Medicaid funding, warning that it could imperil millions of children and patients in rural areas.”
• “‘People will die if we break this healthcare system, especially in rural America,’ Green told reporters during a press conference organized by Protect Our Care and the Democratic Governors Association.”

WBOY: Democratic Governors Sound Alarm Over Proposed Medicaid Cuts.

• “Democratic governors from across the country are speaking out against proposed Medicaid cuts, warning that millions of Americans could lose access to essential healthcare services. As congressional Republicans push forward with their budget plan, Democratic leaders argue that the proposal threatens the future of Medicaid.”

WSPA: Democratic Governors Sound Alarm Over Proposed Medicaid Cuts

• “Democratic governors from across the country are speaking out against proposed Medicaid cuts, warning that millions of Americans could lose access to essential healthcare services.”

IN THE STATES

ALASKA

Tuesday, February 18 – Event with Alaska Caregivers: Members of the SEIU Alaska Caretakers Union who recently traveled to Washington D.C. to meet with Alaska’s Congressional Delegation and discuss the importance of protecting Medicaid joined Protect Our Care Alaska to discuss their experience and why they are fighting for Medicaid. “We can’t just sit around and wait for this to get better,” said B.J. Redd Mendez of Wasilla Alaska. “I went to D.C. to fight for change. Without Medicaid my clients can’t get the care they need, and I won’t get paid for the care I provide.” You can watch the event here, and read the post-event release here.

ARIZONA

Thursday, February 20 – Medicaid Defense Event with First Responders and Advocates: Emergency physician Dr. Larry DeLuca, PA and SEIU member Joy Watson and AARA president Linda Somo joined Protect Our Care Arizona to discuss how unpopular cuts to Medicaid will hurt Arizona families, jeopardize funding for hospitals, and strain the state budget. “We have been through this before,” said Dr. Larry DeLuca. “It was a complete disaster. Our hospitals, which are already busy now, were completely overrun with patients. We lost access to primary care, to specialty care, and what happened was we saw people who were incredibly sick that didn’t have to be. Depression became suicidality, heart  disease became heart failure, and so we ended up having a lot more hospital admissions.” You can read the post-event release here, and watch the full event here.

CALIFORNIA

• KPFA: Health care policy advocate Leslie Dach analyzes the new republican budget with proposed radical dismantling of Medicare and Medicaid
• Playbook CA: Can Valadao avoid his health care Kryptonite?

Tuesday, February 18 – Medicaid Defense Event with U.S. Rep. Mike Levin and California Health Care Advocates: Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49), medical providers, and patients with Medi-Cal demanded that Congressional Republicans and the Trump Administration halt proposals to cut Medicaid funding and endanger health care services for millions of Americans. “We don’t have to guess what happens when Medicaid funding is slashed. We’ve seen it before. These proposed cuts would hit Vista Community Clinic and health centers like it the hardest. Clinics could be forced to lay off staff, cut programs, and reduce the number of patients they can treat. Patients could lose access to preventative care, end up in emergency rooms, and face skyrocketing medical bills,” said Rep. Levin. “Congressional Republicans want to cut Medicaid to pay for massive tax breaks to the ultrawealthy and giant corporations. They are telling working families, seniors, and people with disabilities that it is OK for them to get sicker so that billionaires like Elon Musk can get even richer.” You can view the post-event release here.

• KUSI [San Diego FOX]
• KPBS [San Diego NPR]
• KOGO [San Diego Radio]
• KNSD [San Diego NBC]
• KGTV [San Diego ABC]

Tuesday, February 18 – “Hands off Medi-Cal” Town Hall Targeting Rep. Valadao with SEIU Members, Advocates and Labor Groups: Healthcare workers, patients, and community advocates mobilized to stop devastating Medicaid cuts — known as Medi-Cal in California — before it’s too late. This week, town hall meetings happened across California to send a clear message: “Hands Off Medi-Cal!” Leaders and locals came together to defend healthcare access for all Californians and call on Rep. David Valadao to stand against any proposed Medicaid cuts. Cuts to Medi-Cal would put healthcare at risk for 15 million Californians who rely on the program, endanger local hospitals and healthcare jobs, reduce essential home care services that help seniors and children with disabilities remain in their homes, and drive up healthcare costs for everyone in the state.These town halls are part of a broader national movement pushing back against efforts by billionaires to gut federal programs like Medicaid to fund tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy. You can view photos, interviews, and footage of the town hall here.

Wednesday, February 19 – “Hands off Medi-Cal” Town Hall Targeting Rep. Calvert with SEIU Members, Advocates and Labor Groups: Healthcare workers, patients, and community advocates mobilized to stop devastating Medicaid cuts — known as Medi-Cal in California — before it’s too late. This week, town hall meetings happened across California to send a clear message: “Hands Off Medi-Cal!” Leaders and locals came together to defend healthcare access for all Californians and call on Rep. Ken Calvert to stand against any proposed Medicaid cuts. Cuts to Medi-Cal would put healthcare at risk for 15 million Californians who rely on the program, endanger local hospitals and healthcare jobs, reduce essential home care services that help seniors and children with disabilities remain in their homes, and drive up healthcare costs for everyone in the state. These town halls are part of a broader national movement pushing back against efforts by billionaires to gut federal programs like Medicaid to fund tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy. You can view photos, interviews, and footage of the town hall here.

Thursday, February 20 – “Hands off Medi-Cal” Town Hall Targeting Rep. Kim with SEIU Members, Advocates and Labor Groups: Healthcare workers, patients, and community advocates mobilized to stop devastating Medicaid cuts — known as Medi-Cal in California — before it’s too late. This week, town hall meetings happened across California to send a clear message: “Hands Off Medi-Cal!” Leaders and locals came together to defend healthcare access for all Californians and call on Rep. Young Kim to stand against any proposed Medicaid cuts. Cuts to Medi-Cal would put healthcare at risk for 15 million Californians who rely on the program, endanger local hospitals and healthcare jobs, reduce essential home care services that help seniors and children with disabilities remain in their homes, and drive up healthcare costs for everyone in the state. These town halls are part of a broader national movement pushing back against efforts by billionaires to gut federal programs like Medicaid to fund tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy. You can view photos, interviews, and footage of the town hall here.

GEORGIA

Thursday, February 20 – Medicaid Defense Event with Congressman Hank Johnson and Georgia Health Care Advocates: Congressman Hank Johnson and Protect Our Care visited a Care One Franchise personal care home to discuss the GOP’s latest budget plan to slash Medicaid funding by at least $880 billion to give tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy and big corporations. These cuts would result in millions of the most vulnerable  Americans losing health care, including children, new moms, seniors, and people with disabilities. “President Trump and House Republicans promised they would lower costs for everyday Americans,” said Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04). “They lied. Instead, they just announced a new push to cut Medicaid and take health care away from kids, parents, and seniors. The Trump-Musk-House Republican budget includes hundreds of billions of dollars in cuts to Medicaid and food assistance for kids, seniors, and veterans.” You can watch the event here, and view the post-event release here.

• Georgia Public Broadcasting: Georgia Today: Possible Medicaid cuts; Child care tax credit; Postmaster General DeJoy to step down

IOWA

Thursday, February 13 – “Have a Heart, Protect Medicaid” Petition Drop-Off Event with Health Care Advocates: Protect Our Care Iowa coordinated a petition drop-off event with local storytellers at the Indianola office of Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks. Storytellers arrived at the office with over 575 printed petitions to share their stories with staff and call on their representatives to stop these harmful attacks on working families, seniors, people with disabilities, and children by opposing plans to cut critical programs like Medicaid in order to fund more tax breaks for billionaires and wealthy corporations.

Friday, February 14 – “Have a Heart, Protect Medicaid” Petition Drop-Off Event with Health Care Advocates: Protect Our Care Iowa coordinated a petition drop-off event with local storytellers at Representative Nunn’s Des Moines office. Constituents delivered a petition with hundreds of signatures demanding that Representative Nunn protect Medicaid instead of giving more tax cuts to billionaires. House Republicans released a budget plan this week that proposes deep cuts to Medicaid in order to pay for more tax cuts for corporations and the ultra-wealthy. “Our representatives must stand up for us and put a stop to destructive funding cuts to health care for working families, children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities,” Matt Chapman, from Waukee said. “We demand that they oppose budget proposals to cut essential programs like Medicaid just to fund additional tax breaks for the rich and huge corporations.” You can view the post-event release here.

• WHO-DM: Iowans call on Rep. Nunn to save Medicaid
• KDSM: Iowans deliver a petition to Rep. Nunn’s office (also ran during the subsequent 4am news hour)

MAINE

Wednesday, February 19 – Medicaid Defense Event with Maine Rep. Annie Graham and Cancer Survivor Marie Follaytarr: Maine Rep. and retired pediatric nurse Annie Graham and Leukemia survivor Marie Follaytar joined Protect Our Care Maine for an in-person press event discussing the latest GOP plan to drastically cut Medicaid funding and what this would mean for Mainers. Speakers also called on Senator Collins to protect this critical funding. “When I say health care is at risk for 417,000 Mainers, I can tell you one of those lives might be mine,” said Marie Follaytarr. “When we defund Medicaid, we are taking away a line item in a hospital’s budget, your PCP’s budget, your local clinic’s budget and even if you aren’t on Medicaid your health care system will be impacted. Senator Collins can wield her gavel and appropriate securing healthcare and hospitals for Mainers. She can choose to let people like me who rely on Medicaid for medical food to live or die. She is the Chair of Appropriations, and it is within her power to negotiate every penny we need or not.” You can read the post-event release here.  

• FOX 23 Maine: State lawmaker joins Portland rally against Medicaid cuts
• Maine Morning Star: U.S. Senate Dems issue warning on ‘massive cuts’ to Medicaid predicted in GOP budget
• WGME: State lawmaker joins Portland rally against Medicaid cuts
• Maine Public: Health care advocates are calling on state lawmakers to protect Medicaid funding

MICHIGAN

Thursday, February 20 – Detroit News Op-Ed by Michigan Hospital Association CEO Brian Peters about Protecting Medicaid: Protect Our Care Michigan placed an opinion piece by Michigan Health and Hospital Association CEO Brian Peters about how affordable, high-quality health care is essential for a community to thrive, which is why cutting funding for Healthy Michigan Plan, the state’s Medicaid program, would hurt communities across Michigan. “As the CEO of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association, I know firsthand what Medicaid cuts would do to hospitals, essential services, Michigan’s healthcare industry and the economy as a whole” Peters writes. “Medicaid is an important program across all state hospitals, but especially for the 65 rural hospitals that depend on it to keep their doors open.” You can read the full op-ed here. 

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Friday, February 14 – Medicaid Defense Event with New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute and Strategies for Disability Equity: Phil Sletten of the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute and Lisa Beaudoin of Strategies for Disability Equity joined Protect Our Care New Hampshire to discuss Governor Ayotte’s proposed state budget and how cuts to Medicaid would put essential health care services at risk. “Small changes to Medicaid funding can have a big impact on the rest of the budget,” said Phil Sletten of the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute.”If you were to see a swing in federal funds of tens or hundreds of millions of dollars, that would affect other parts of the state budget around health services and other services to fund that Medicaid shortfall, or Medicaid services themselves may have to change to stay in line with the budget.” You can watch the full event here, and view the post-event release here. 

• Patch: Experts Warn Medicaid Cuts Threaten New Hampshire’s Budget and Health
• The Tip Sheet: Experts Warn Medicaid Cuts Threaten New Hampshire’s Budget and Health Care Access
• Boston Globe: 7 Key Takeaways from NH Governor Kelly Ayotte’s ‘recalibration’ budget

NEW YORK

Wednesday, February 19 – Medicaid Defense Event with U.S. Representative Laura Gillen, Assemblymember Solages, 1199SEIU, and Health Care Advocates: Rep. Laura Gillen (NY-04), Assembly Member Michaelle Solages, 1199SEIU and local advocates joined Protect Our Care New York to discuss the GOP’s latest budget plan to put billionaires over Americans. Recent reporting shows congressional Republicans intend to slash Medicaid funding by at least $880 billion to give tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy and big corporations, resulting in millions losing coverage, including children, new moms, seniors, and people with disabilities. “I’m calling on my colleagues – on both sides of the aisle – to join me in protecting Long Islanders’ access to health care. The proposed cuts to Medicaid would devastate Nassau County, putting over 100,000 of my constituents’ health care in jeopardy and raising health care costs for tens of thousands more,“ said Rep. Gillen. “We need to be working to protect and strengthen access to health care, not ripping it away from the seniors, children, and veterans on Long Island who count on Medicaid to access the life-saving care they need.” You can view the post-event release here.

• News12 Long Island: Residents Call on Rep. LaLota to Protect Medicaid
• Long Island Herald: Medicaid cuts threaten Long Island healthcare access

NORTH CAROLINA

• WPTF: Protect Our Care launches a multimillion dollar “Hands Off Medicaid” campaign
• WPTF: Protect Our Care launches a multimillion dollar “Hands Off Medicaid” campaign (includes quote from Leslie’s interview)
• WPTF: Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach Interview

Wednesday, February 19 – Medicaid Defense Event with Congresswoman Deborah Ross, State Representative Sarah Crawford, and Health Care Advocates: Congresswoman Deborah Ross, State Rep. Sarah Crawford, and Retired Storyteller Haywood Watson joined Protect Our Care North Carolina to discuss the GOP’s latest budget plan to put billionaires over Americans. “In 2023, North Carolina opted into Medicaid Expansion. We received $14 billion in federal Medicaid funding. 59% of all federal dollars that our state received –  and let’s be clear, those are your tax dollars coming back to North Carolina – to help your family, your friends, and your neighbors. From the mountains to the coast,  particularly in our rural areas, millions of North Carolinians rely on this funding to access the health care they need,” said Congresswoman Deborah Ross.  “Federal funding for Medicaid has the power to save and enrich lives. President Trump, Elon Musk and Congressional Republicans who refuse to speak up are putting lives at risk in their quest to cut funding for rich donors. I am committed to doing everything that I can to fight back and I’m doing it every day. We need to protect these essential benefits and services that North Carolinians rely on. Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, and VA benefits support so many people’s well-being.” You can watch the event here, and view the post-event release here.

• NCNewsline: US, NC representatives blast GOP plan to slash Medicaid funding for North Carolina
• WPTF: Protect Our Care launches a multimillion dollar “Hands Off Medicaid” campaign

PENNSYLVANIA

Wednesday, February 19 – Medicaid Defense Event with Health Care Advocates: Constituents from Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District, community groups, and local advocates rallied outside Congressman Ryan Mackenzie’s District Office to protest his potential vote to slash billions in Medicaid funding. “This shouldn’t surprise us,” said Allentown City Councilwoman Ce-Ce Gerlach. “We’ve seen from Day One they are going to come for the most vulnerable, the most marginalized.” Pediatrician Linda Famigilo said, “He’s going to vote on this and it’s going to be so tight, every vote is going to make a difference. He can make a difference to our kids.”

• Lehigh Valley News: Outside congressman’s office, protesters make noise over potential Medicaid cuts
• WFMZ: Rally held outside local congressman’s office, as lawmakers consider cutting funding from Medicaid

Thursday, February 20 – Medicaid Defense Event with Health Care Advocates: Constituents from Pennsylvania’s 10th Congressional District, along with community groups and local advocates, gathered outside Congressman Scott Perry’s District Office for a candlelight vigil to mourn health care losses, should Rep. Perry vote to slash billions in Medicaid funding.

• FOX43: Pa. healthcare workers rally against Medicaid cuts concerns in nursing care push

WEST VIRGINIA

• Dominion Post: Local health systems concerned over possible Medicaid cuts