Now that this bill has passed, will I lose my Medicaid?

Dear Grace,

I worked as a full-time nanny for many years before I got sick. I loved my job, but I wasn’t able to save much. Now, I have a chronic health problem that I need an infusion for every month, so I work part-time. With Medicaid, my monthly infusions were covered, I just had to pay a small co-pay. Now that this “big beautiful bill” has passed, I’m worried I’ll lose my Medicaid. I’m barely scraping by with my rent, groceries, and electricity bill as it is. If I lose Medicaid, my infusion bill every month would be thousands of dollars. If I don’t get my infusions, I’ll be too sick to work. I’ll have to choose between my health and my home, or worse.

I kept hearing talk of cuts on the news, but I never thought it would really happen. I even told my niece to relax when she was worried about losing her SNAP benefits. Now I don’t know what to say. I can’t afford my medical bills without my Medicare. Where do I go from here?

– Embarrassed and Scared in Emery County

Dear Embarrassed and Scared,

Let’s get one thing straight—there is no need for you to feel embarrassed. We all pay into these programs with our tax dollars, and they are meant to be used by folks like yourself. There is nothing wrong with using a resource that you contribute to when you need it. But I do understand why you’re scared. Many Americans are asking themselves, “How does this bill impact me?” and “Will my benefits get taken away?” You are not alone in your worry.

Let’s sort through it together:

It’s true that this bill means millions of people will lose coverage, and it’s normal to be scared.

I don’t want to beat around the bush…I’m no expert, but I’ve been listening to folks who are experts, and here are some hard truths I’ve learned about this bill:

• From a public health expert at Harvard: About 4.8 million people will lose their healthcare, not because they are ineligible, but because the process of getting it will be harder, longer, and more complicated.
• From the National Rural Health Association: This bill will likely result in rural hospital closures and make it much harder for folks in rural areas to get care.
• From the nonpartisan health policy research group, KFF: The average person who buys health insurance from Healthcare.gov or a state-based marketplace will see their healthcare premiums be 75% more expensive.

Folks like yourself are nervous that they’ll either lose healthcare or that their healthcare will get significantly more expensive. You’re not alone in your fears, friend. And whether or not the cuts directly impact you, I think all of us can agree that no American should be locked out of healthcare because they can’t afford it. It’s normal to feel scared, heartbroken, or even angry.

Find support—you don’t have to do this alone.

I don’t know your exact situation, Embarrassed, so I can’t say if you are one of the millions who will lose coverage. As your situation shows, these rules are not saving money—they are shifting the cost to someone else: families, communities, and hospitals. The system has changed, but people’s needs haven’t. Folks like yourself who used to qualify still need help, and the new rules just make it harder to get it. That’s not fair.

But I can tell you that you’re not alone, and there are plenty of kind-hearted folks who can help you navigate this change. Here are some resources that could help shoulder the burden of this new, complex process:

• Your local library: Most libraries have programs to help folks navigate complicated government paperwork.
• Your doctor’s office or local community health center: See if your doctor can recommend a social worker to help you stay on top of all of your new paperwork and deadlines.
• Your local Medicaid office: The nice people at your local Medicaid office might be a bit overwhelmed and understaffed right now, so try to be patient with them!
• Your congress member’s office of constituent services: Your elected official works for you and has an office dedicated to helping the folks they represent navigate government programs. (Find yours here!)

Talk to your niece and share your story.

In addition to getting support navigating this confusing new system, you may need someone who you trust to lean on. Reach out to your niece and apologize for dismissing her. Even though you didn’t know better, your comment might have hurt her feelings. You’re going to need each other in the coming months. Spend time together, share your fears and listen to hers, and figure out how you can help each other. Share your story with neighbors and friends. They may be going through the same thing, and even if they aren’t, your story will help people who aren’t as directly impacted understand what’s really going on.

I understand your fear, Embarrassed and Scared. These are uncertain and confusing times. It’s not fair or right that you and millions of others should be so scared and at risk. We can and must do better as a country, and it takes people like you speaking out and looking out for each other to get there. We’re all trying to figure out how these cuts and new rules will impact our loved ones. We’re all trying to come up with ways to support each other in real time, so keep your ear to the ground, friend. The best way to get through tough times is together.

Sending love and support your way,

Grace