Medicaid cuts endanger Iowa families

My husband and I aren’t wealthy. We work hard every single day, and no matter how much we put in, it always feels like there’s more to do just to keep our heads above water. We’re constantly finding ways to make ends meet — taking on extra work, long hours, and sacrifices that most families in Iowa know all too well. We don’t complain, because that’s what hardworking people do. But it’s exhausting, and it leaves little room for anything beyond survival.

That’s why it angers me when politicians like Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks vote to slash Medicaid. Without Medicaid, my husband and I wouldn’t be healthy enough to keep working. We depend on the care it provides to stay on our feet, and I know countless families across Iowa do, too. When leaders in Washington threaten these lifelines, they aren’t just playing with numbers on a page. They’re playing with people’s lives — with our health, our stability, and our future.

For us, the fear is very real. I’ve had moments where I’ve wondered whether we could afford a prescription refill or if I should put off seeing a doctor because of the cost. That worry eats away at you. It makes you feel like your hard work doesn’t matter, like the system is rigged against ordinary people, no matter how much we give. Nobody should have to choose between their health and putting food on the table.

Congresswoman Miller-Meeks just voted for the largest Medicaid cut in history. Even worse, she did it while handing out more tax breaks to the wealthy and well-connected. Her vote will hurt families like mine and raise health care costs for tens of thousands of people across our state. While those at the top celebrate more handouts, the rest of us are left wondering how we’ll get through the next doctor’s visit, prescription refill, or medical emergency.

Fortunately, there still is a chance to undo some of this damage. A bill in Congress would reverse these Medicaid cuts and extend the tax credits that help Iowa families afford the care they need. That choice should be simple. Every day, Iowans like me and my husband are doing everything we can to stay afloat. We may not be billionaires or campaign donors, but we matter. We are just as deserving of support and protection as the wealthy few Congresswoman Miller-Meeks so often chooses to stand with.

The Congresswoman already voted against families like mine once. I hope she takes this opportunity to finally put Iowa families first. Our lives, our health, and our futures depend on it.

Medicaid recipient Maria Taylor lives in Davenport.