Following last week’s powerful #HandsOffMedicaid Day of Action, people across the country made it clear: we will not stay silent while politicians try to gut Medicaid to fund tax breaks for billionaires. 

The Medicaid Defense Day of Action, hosted by a coalition of national, state, and local advocacy organizations, mobilized and engaged thousands of people to make calls to Congress, participate in digital advocacy, and share their personal stories about the importance of Medicaid.  

6,831 people from all 50 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico, called Congress urging them to protect Medicaid and stop cuts to this life-saving program.  

Community Catalyst heard from people who work with Medicaid recipients about how this coverage can be the difference between life and death. People like:  

  • Meghan, who is grateful for the care her mother was able to receive after a major accident. Her mom was able to get the care she needed and return home, thanks to Medicaid. “All of us are one major accident away from needing Medicaid if we don’t already need it.”
  • Emma, a social worker supporting individuals with disabilities, many of whom navigate life without family support systems. Her story reveals a critical truth: Medicaid isn’t just a program – it’s a lifeline. “Medicaid support is essentially what keeps them alive in a lot of instances.” 
  • Mystique, a case manager whose clients can access the health care services they need because of Medicaid. Mystique had Medicaid coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic when her job didn’t provide coverage. Without Medicaid, she would’ve been uninsured during a public health emergency. “The only option I had was Medicaid.”  

“When we come together, we are unstoppable. Our voices, our stories, and our power make it clear: Medicaid is not up for debate. We refuse to let politicians trade our health for tax breaks for billionaires. This is about people, not profits – and we won’t back down,” said Mona Shah, Senior Director of Policy and Strategy at Community Catalyst. “Gutting Medicaid is the exact opposite of improving people’s economic security – it’s dismantling it. This is a betrayal of the people, and we won’t stand for it.” 

Community Catalyst continues to work alongside a growing coalition of local, state and national partners to protect Medicaid and ensure health care remains a right, not a privilege. Together, we are fueled by the millions of people – older adults, caregivers, people with disabilities, and children – that refuse to let politicians take away their Medicaid.

We’d love to connect with you to discuss what’s next in this fight and why this issue is critical. Please reach out to Jack Cardinal at jcardinal@communitycatalyst.org if you’re interested.