‘Cutting Medicaid would be like setting a bomb off’

As Republicans in Congress consider cuts to Medicaid in order to give tax breaks to the ultrawealthy, Washingtonians are speaking out

PASCO, WA (May 12, 2025) — In Washington, where about 1 in 5 residents is covered by Medicaid, proposals in the U.S. Capitol to cut any amount of funding for this essential program pose a threat to the wellbeing of working families across the state. Cuts, reportedly part of the budget reconciliation package pursued by Congressional Republicans, would irreparably harm Washingtonians, especially children, disabled folks, and seniors.

In the lead up to anticipated votes on the budget package, workers like Brenda Morgan are speaking out. Morgan, a caregiver unionized with SEIU Local 775, spoke up at a recent round table to share the impact of Medicaid cuts on her family, and on the people she provides care for. Her remarks are shared here with her permission.

My name is Brenda Morgan, my pronouns are she/her/ella, and I am a home care provider from Pasco. Last December, I lost my client who I had cared for, for 17 years. She was family to me and it hit me really hard losing her. I was not going to do caregiving again. But then last month I got a message from a young person through our caregivers’ portal who was seeking a caregiver. With permission from my client’s mother and her, I have permission to share her story with you today.

Sam is an autistic young adult. She has a heart condition and also uses a feeding tube for her meals and medications. Everyone in Sam’s household lives with a disability. They are stronger together, but they also need help from others, like caregivers. Sam and I met, and I learned that she had not had a caregiver for over 2 months. We connected and I decided to be her caregiver. We’ve been working together for a little over a month now and she says that I’m “a miracle sent.” Because of her disability, Sam needs structure and as I’ve been able to provide that she’s become calmer.

But Sam is also paying attention to the conversations about cutting Medicaid. She wants me to ask you, “Why aren’t people thinking of us? Do they not know that I can’t survive without Medicaid? I need help and that is why I am on Medicaid.”

Before I came along Sam felt forgotten and helpless and she is now afraid that she will lose me as a caregiver if Medicaid is cut. Losing Medicaid would be devastating for her and her health.

And the damage doesn’t stop there. If we lose the pillar of Medicaid it will be a domino effect. I will lose my job. I give care to those who receive Medicaid. If I don’t work, we don’t eat. If I don’t work, I don’t get to pay my bills. How much more instability will we see if this happens?

My kids are on Medicaid now while we wait for my insurance to kick back in after the loss of my previous client in December. Medicaid keeps people in my community alive, people like my client Sam. Cutting Medicaid would be like setting a bomb off in my community and in my family. We would all lose so much.

TAKE A STAND: the AFL-CIO has set up an action to help folks call their representatives and tell them to reject any cuts to Medicaid. Make the call today.