By: Daniel Nardini
While the United States is in the middle of two wars and getting involved in two conflicts (Libya and Uganda), the U.S. Congress is considering cutting funding for Medicaid. Medicaid as we all know is a government program (administered by the states) to help the disabled and those suffering from chronic ailments. For tens of millions of low income people, this program is vital for them to be able to receive treatment or medications they could not otherwise afford. This may change as the U.S. Congress considers cuts to this program. This is not the first time that many congressional officials—especially Republicans—have considered cutting funding from the program. But at a time like this it could lead to the detriment of so many people who depend on Medicaid.
According to a report put out by Families USA, the ones who will be affected the most are African Americans and Latinos. The report, Medicaid: A Lifeline for Blacks and Latinos with Serious Health Care Needs, details how for so many African Americans and Latinos that such cuts to the Medicaid they receive will be a death sentence. The Great Recession has affected African Americans and Latinos the most. Many Latino families have lost their jobs, lost their homes, and are having trouble feeding their families. For those Latinos who have a chronic health condition they need help in affording medications and treatment, and having access to doctors if their conditions worsen. If even the basic care they receive is taken away then they will be unable to afford the help they need. Worse, it could lead to their conditions worsening and even premature death.
I find it ironic that the U.S. government has no problem providing weaponry and money to Afghan warlords who may change sides at any time, but this government cannot provide basic funding to an American with a chronic health problem. What do you tell a person suffering from diabetes that they cannot receive medications because the money has been cut from the program? What do you tell someone with a breathing problem? That these people may be at serious risk is to put it mildly. Even in a time with considerable economic uncertainty, eliminating any part of a program that has helped so many people and continues to help so many people is playing Russian roulette with their lives.
Gutting Medicaid for Latinos
By: Daniel Nardini
According to a report put out by Families USA, the ones who will be affected the most are African Americans and Latinos. The report, Medicaid: A Lifeline for Blacks and Latinos with Serious Health Care Needs, details how for so many African Americans and Latinos that such cuts to the Medicaid they receive will be a death sentence. The Great Recession has affected African Americans and Latinos the most. Many Latino families have lost their jobs, lost their homes, and are having trouble feeding their families. For those Latinos who have a chronic health condition they need help in affording medications and treatment, and having access to doctors if their conditions worsen. If even the basic care they receive is taken away then they will be unable to afford the help they need. Worse, it could lead to their conditions worsening and even premature death.
I find it ironic that the U.S. government has no problem providing weaponry and money to Afghan warlords who may change sides at any time, but this government cannot provide basic funding to an American with a chronic health problem. What do you tell a person suffering from diabetes that they cannot receive medications because the money has been cut from the program? What do you tell someone with a breathing problem? That these people may be at serious risk is to put it mildly. Even in a time with considerable economic uncertainty, eliminating any part of a program that has helped so many people and continues to help so many people is playing Russian roulette with their lives.