Hands Off Medicaid
February 24, 2025
Congress is threatening to slash funding which provides a lifeline for more than 72 million Americans in favor of billionaires’ tax breaks.
On January 8, Union members joined the Healthcare Education Project, faith leaders, community members and health care advocates for “Hands off Medicaid” rallies outside the offices of three Republican Congress members in New York State.
As healthcare workers, 1199ers know better than most how crucial Medicaid money is when it comes to looking after seniors and keeping children healthy. In New York, almost half the population relies on Medicaid for their healthcare.
Nevertheless, the incoming Congress is threatening to cut Medicaid funding to pay for tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans. This would mean ripping away health care from millions of
families who count on it— children, single parents, seniors, people of color, rural Americans, workers whose employers don’t provide health insurance, and people with disabilities. Medicaid is the largest health insurance program in the country. The consequences of any cuts to Medicaid would touch nearly every household in America.
She further added, “Where would my residents go if extremist politicians slashed the program to pay for huge tax cuts for their billionaire donors? Not only would my residents lose access to their healthcare, their medicine, their meals, their activities, their friends and their caregivers, but they would lose the only home they now have if the extremists have their way.”
Sandra Abegg, an 1199 Respiratory Therapist working at the Northern Manor Nursing Home in Rockland County, New York, marched outside the office of U.S. Congressman Mike Lawler in Pearl River, calling on him to stand with her residents and everyone else from District 17 and reject Medicaid cuts—like he promised.
“I’ve been a Respiratory Therapist for 19 years and I’ve helped thousands of patients on ventilator during that time,” Abegg said. “My patients depend on Medicaid and Medicare for essential services that my colleagues and I are providing. Seven million New Yorkers, from expecting mothers to people with disabilities, depend on Medicaid. It is only fair that we treat the patients with the dignity and care that they deserve.
“My fellow Union members and I know that if Congress cuts Medicaid, our patients will suffer. Our facilities will be forced to cut services and also the staff. When patient to caregiver ratios increase it becomes impossible to provide the quality care these residents deserve.”
Milly Silva, 1199SEIU Secretary Treasurer, added: “We are here today to raise the alarm that federal Medicaid cuts by the incoming administration would have a devastating impact on millions of Americans. Our message is simple: all elected leaders, regardless of party affiliation, must totally reject any attempts to weaken the Medicaid program.”
1199 Delegate Saditau Bangura, has worked for United Cerebral Palsy on Long Island for 16 years. As a mother of four who has lived in Suffolk County for two decades, she wanted U.S. Congressman Andrew Garbarino, representing District 2, to hear her voice.
“I love my job so much,” Bangura said outside Rep Garbarino’s office in Patchogue. “I love the individuals I work with so much. Without Medicaid, I could not go to work. Without Medicaid my individuals would not be taken care of. Every day I come to work, I see them smiling—and I love to see the smile on their faces.”
The money that pays Bangura’s wages comes from Medicaid and helps take care of her children.
“Seven million New Yorkers need Medicaid, including my motherin-law who has cancer. Without Medicaid I could not take my mother-in-law for chemo. Without Medicaid I could not go to work. I know what Medicaid is doing for my family. I know what Medicaid is doing for my job,” she added.
The growing and diverse Hands off Medicaid coalition includes over 650 ministers, priests, rabbis, imams and faith leaders, who have joined together to fight for Medicaid equity as a moral and racial justice issue.