It is embarrassing as a country we do not have universal socialized healthcare for all citizens. For the population that does, a decrease to the funding is detrimental to every American. Now you might be thinking, I make loads of money, and I don’t rely on Medicaid, and I honestly don’t care. Well maybe you could have some simpathy and care. But anyways here are real reasons how cuts to Medicaid will affect you.

When people don’t have insurance and aren’t able to pay for hospital services, it can definitely affect you, even if you have insurance or don’t use the hospital often. When someone goes to the hospital and can’t pay their bill, whether they’re uninsured, underinsured, or just can’t afford it, the hospital still must provide emergency care. That unpaid cost doesn’t just disappear into the ether. Instead, hospitals often make up the difference by increasing prices for people who can pay, which includes those with private insurance… YOU! That can lead to higher insurance premiums, higher deductibles, and more expensive healthcare bills for YOU!

Rural hospitals and clinics often rely heavily on Medicaid funding to stay open. When that funding is cut, they may have to scale back services, lay off staff, or close entirely. This leaves people in rural towns with fewer healthcare options and forces them to travel longer distances for care. If a rural hospital shuts down, it doesn’t just affect that community, it puts extra pressure on nearby hospitals. Rural residents may end up turning to your local hospital for care, which can lead to longer wait times and greater demand on resources. Because they’re less likely to get regular, preventive care, they often arrive in worse condition and only seek help during emergencies. That emergency care is expensive, and when patients can’t pay, it drives up healthcare costs for everyone, including YOU!!

You have loved ones who rely on Medicaid, you just don’t know. Each state’s Medicaid servies are named differently. For example, Massachusetts’ is called MassHealth. Colorado is called Health First Colorado. If your loved one’s services are cut, you could find yourself helping financially or stepping in as a caregiver. And it’s not just about healthcare. Medicaid supports jobs in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and nonprofits. When funding drops, people can lose their jobs, services get reduced, and communities lose important safety nets.

Even if you’re not using Medicaid yourself, a cut to the program can still affect your health, your wallet, and the overall well-being of your community. The impact goes far beyond the people who are directly enrolled; it touches all of us in one way or another.

Once again, go for a walk. Touch some grass and try to have some simpathy.