Cuts Threaten Healthcare For 79M Americans

Kelly Smith, a 57-year-old New York City resident, is part of the Nonviolent Medicaid Army (NVMA), a growing national movement of poor people organizing to stop proposed cuts to Medicaid and promote healthcare as a human right, Eleanor J. Bader reported for Truthout.

Medicaid currently covers 72.1 million people.

“The need for healthcare unites us all,” Smith told Truthout. “Right now, I’m terrified of losing Medicaid and being unable to get injections for pain control. They’re the only thing that makes it possible for me to be on my game.”

Smith’s health is somewhat fragile. Not only is she a breast cancer survivor, but she also has severe scoliosis and takes medication for hypertension, high cholesterol, and depression—all covered by Medicaid.

The possibility that this coverage could end or be reduced is a real concern if Congress approves pending budget cuts pushed by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and the Trump administration.

This uncertainty terrifies Smith and other NVMA members.

Their mission is twofold: to mobilize against the recently announced threats to Medicaid and to advocate for the recognition of healthcare as a human right. “We’re organizing call-in days to tell lawmakers our stories and let them know the value of Medicaid in our lives. We’re also attending town halls,” Smith said.

According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), Medicaid currently covers 72.1 million people.

Established in 1965 as part of the “War on Poverty,” Medicaid was originally designed to provide healthcare for recipients of Aid to Families with Dependent Children. Over the past six decades, it has expanded to serve low-income children and adults, nursing home residents, and individuals needing home care.

Its reach is significant: KFF reports that in 2023, Medicaid financed 41% of all births in the U.S. In addition, 1 in 6 adults aged 19–64, 2 in 3 nursing home residents, and 1 in 3 adults with disabilities received their healthcare through the program.