Local opinion: Medicaid saved my mother’s life

The deep cuts to Medicaid currently being considered by Congress would have dire consequences for Arizonans with cancer. Health coverage is vital for the well-being of people in all seasons of life, and that is especially true for people with a connection to cancer. I know this on a personal level. My mother is currently fighting stage three breast cancer after being diagnosed in December. She has health insurance through Medicaid and relied on the coverage for her initial screening, diagnosis and ongoing treatments, including a double mastectomy.

Simply put: Medicaid saved my mom’s life.

I live in Arizona’s 6th district where more than 158,000 people are enrolled in Arizona’s Medicaid program, according to the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). Of those, more than 6,500 were treated for cancer in fiscal year 2024. These figures aren’t just numbers ... they represent our neighbors: seniors in nursing homes, children, people with disabilities, veterans and low-income, and working families. While Rep. Juan Ciscomani has committed to protecting Medicaid, his recent vote in favor of the cuts in the reconciliation bill will harm people with cancer, chronic illnesses and disabilities.

I volunteer for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). Our organization is extremely concerned about this proposal from Congress. It includes the largest cuts to Medicaid in history, as well as harmful changes to Marketplace and other private insurance plans. Rep. Ciscomani, who voted ‘yes’ to this bill, should know that if Congress passes these cuts, nearly 11 million people nationwide would be left without health insurance, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. Bringing this home, recent data reveals that more than 234,000 Arizonans will lose their health insurance and nearly 13,000 children. These numbers make it clear — projected savings from these cuts will be paid for on the backs of individuals who have no other option for affordable health insurance, including those with cancer.

Over the last couple of months, I’ve joined other volunteer advocates with ACS CAN in sharing with Rep. Ciscomani and his office how cuts to Medicaid would impact residents living in our district. My message to the Congressman remains simple — reject any cuts to Medicaid and changes to Marketplace plans, so Arizonans don’t suffer — specifically those with cancer or a history of cancer. The impact of cuts and additional bureaucratic hurdles will be felt by not only the most vulnerable Arizonans, but at rural hospitals and community health centers across our state, as well.

Earlier this year, Rep. Ciscomani joined 12 colleagues in sending a letter to House Republican leadership declaring they will not vote for legislation that reduces Medicaid coverage for those who, as the Congressman stated, “need it the most.” The reality is — each person getting health insurance through Medicaid needs it. People don’t just need Medicaid after they receive a diagnosis. In my mom’s case, she needed Medicaid to be diagnosed.

As we reach a critical time in this debate, I encourage the Congressman and his colleagues to carefully listen to the stories of their constituents. All will have yet another opportunity to reject this bill once the Senate sends it back to the House. A NO vote will help ensure cancer is prevented, and when detected, the disease is caught early and is treatable. The truth is any cuts to Medicaid or changes to Marketplace plans will take away coverage from those who need it the most. My mom needs Medicaid for her chemotherapy treatment. She will need Medicaid for continuing coverage after her treatment. But my mom needed Medicaid before she was sick; she needed it for screening, and she needed it for her diagnosis.

Having continued coverage will determine whether she lives or dies. There is no doubt my mom needs Medicaid.