Healthcare Workers, Disability Rights Advocates Protest Drastic, Deadly Medicaid Cuts Outside Trump Tower

Lawndale News Chicago's Bilingual Newspaper - Health

Lawndale News Chicago's Bilingual Newspaper - Health

Healthcare workers with SEIU Healthcare Illinois and disability rights advocates with Access Living rallied Tuesday outside Trump Tower to condemn Medicaid cuts and call on state lawmakers to step up and protect Illinoisans’ access to lifesaving healthcare. As part of the action, peaceful protesters blocked traffic in front of Trump Tower, chanting “Hands off Medicaid, hands off SNAP” and held signs reading ‘No Breaks for Billionaires’. As part of their demand, workers and advocates are urging Illinois legislators to find solutions to help offset cuts, including taxing the ultra-wealthy and making them pay their fair share. As President Trump’s reconciliation bill becomes law, Illinois is expected to lose $50 billion in federal Medicaid funding, jeopardizing coverage and care for 3.4 million people across the state. As part of the demonstration, participants staged a mass “hula hooping” action to show how the burdensome new Medicaid reporting requirements will make recipients jump through burdensome, unnecessary hoops to access basic care. The new work reporting requirements are set to make access even more difficult, leading to an anticipated 4.8 million adults losing coverage.

Photo Credit: SEIU Healthcare Illinois

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