Pennsylvanians Urge GOP to Oppose Medicaid Cuts

Kristen Crowell fears many will face financial devastation due to Medicaid cuts, leaving millions uninsured.
Pennsylvanians call on Republican lawmakers to vote against Medicaid cuts

Article Summary –

Kristen Crowell shared her personal experience of financial hardship caused by a single healthcare bill, warning that proposed Medicaid cuts by Congressional Republicans could similarly devastate millions of families nationwide. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, passed by House Republicans, aims to finance tax cuts for the wealthy by reducing Medicaid and food assistance, potentially affecting hundreds of thousands in Pennsylvania alone, causing loss of coverage, closure of hospitals, and job cuts. Autumn Gravier highlighted the vital role Medicaid played in providing stability and care for her family after escaping an abusive marriage, arguing that such cuts represent a critical threat to vulnerable populations, including survivors of domestic violence.


Kristen Crowell understands how one health care bill can devastate a family’s finances.

In 2006, Crowell faced financial struggles while raising her children and was hit with an $886 bill for her child’s dental care.

“One dental bill plunged our family into debt,” Crowell shared during a Scranton event on June 23. “We faced electricity cutoffs, car repossession, and home foreclosure.”

Today, Crowell fears more Americans will experience similar financial ruin as Republicans in Congress push for massive Medicaid cuts that could leave millions uninsured.

“Elected leaders must decide: Will you push more of us into poverty and debt?” Crowell asked. “Or stand against billionaire tax breaks?”

Crowell’s message was part of the “Stop the Billionaire Giveaway” bus tour, backed by Fair Share America, highlighting the impact of Medicaid cuts on vulnerable communities.

‘Don’t bow down to the ultra-rich’

To fund President Donald Trump’s tax cuts for the wealthy, House Republicans passed the One Big Beautiful Act in May. This legislation includes Medicaid cuts and plans to slash billions from SNAP, increase national debt, and potentially devastate Pennsylvania’s public services and jobs.

The bill, now under Senate review, faces scrutiny. If approved, it returns to the House and could reach a supportive president’s desk. The Senate vote was imminent at publication time.

At Scranton’s event, Pennsylvanians urged Sen. Dave McCormick to oppose the Medicaid cuts. Rep. Rob Bresnahan also faced criticism for supporting the bill. Susan Wiggins, a lab tech, encouraged calls to McCormick and Bresnahan, stating, “Let’s send a strong message: Stand up for working families. Say no to Medicaid cuts.”

Medicaid provided hope after she left an abusive marriage

For Autumn Gravier of Harrisburg, Medicaid was crucial after escaping an abusive marriage. A Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates fellow, Gravier shared how Medicaid supported her family’s health care needs post-abuse.

“I married my high school sweetheart,” Gravier recounted. “I thought I was choosing safety and the American dream, but it became a nightmare.”

She detailed her harrowing experience, explaining Medicaid’s role in her recovery and stability. “Medicaid wasn’t just a program; it was dignity, stability, and hope,” Gravier emphasized.

Gravier warned lawmakers about the consequences of cutting Medicaid access, particularly for domestic violence survivors. “Cutting Medicaid is a death sentence for people like me,” she asserted. “It’s cutting off hope and safety.”


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