Health care advocates and patients gathered at Denver Health to voice grave concerns over proposed cuts to Medicaid as Congress continues to negotiate a budget bill that could dramatically reshape safety net programs.
Doctors warn that reducing funding for Medicaid could lead to dire consequences for vulnerable populations who rely on this safety net for essential health services.
Denise Gipson, a patient who survived heart failure, exemplifies the life-saving impact of Medicaid.
“I wouldn’t even be here today if I didn’t have Medicaid,” she stressed, attributing her care after a critical medical situation to the program.
The contentious budget bill recently passed in the U.S. House by a slim margin and is now on its way to the Senate.
If enacted, the bill would drastically cut taxes while also slashing funding for critical programs like Medicaid and SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado has expressed skepticism about the possibility of negotiating changes with Republican lawmakers, who hold a majority in both chambers.
“We have to fight it,” Bennet asserted, urging fellow Democrats to mobilize against the proposed cuts.
However, he acknowledged the numerical advantage Republicans have, making it challenging to mount an effective opposition.
Bennet highlighted public sentiment, believing the American people support maintaining Medicaid at its current level.
Republicans argue that efficiency can be improved within government programs by eliminating waste and fraud.
Rep. Gabe Evans from Colorado’s 8th district recently stated that the program could be streamlined without negatively impacting legal beneficiaries.
Listening to patient testimonies at the Denver Health event painted a sobering picture of Medicaid’s importance in their lives.
Denise Gipson, who retired after a long career with Xcel Energy, found herself uninsured.
After facing a serious health crisis, she was diagnosed with heart failure and grappling with debilitating stress and grief after the murder of a family member.
With the help of hospital staff, she enrolled in Medicaid and is now awaiting a heart transplant.
“This was a godsend,” Gipson exclaimed, reflecting on the pivotal role that Medicaid has played in her recovery.
Veronica Montoya, battling numerous chronic health conditions, also spoke about the program’s life-saving benefits.
“Medicaid saved my life,” she emphasized, attributing her access to a diverse array of specialists to the coverage provided.
Diana Corona, a young woman who struggled with obesity, shared how Medicaid enabled her to access crucial health support through the Denver Health Bariatric Center.
“I am proud to have it, because I can always say that Medicaid saved my life,” Corona declared, highlighting the positive impact of overcoming cultural barriers to seek help.
As the proposals for reducing Medicaid’s funding surface, patients and health care practitioners express concerns about the potential rollback on vital benefits and services.
The budget bill is set to introduce work requirements for Medicaid and expand them for SNAP, which both Republicans and Democrats have differing views on, particularly regarding the potential loss of coverage for millions.
Doctors at the event expressed serious concerns over the implications of reduced funding and increased administrative burdens.
Dr. Rebecca Hanratty, who leads ambulatory services at Denver Health, shared the story of a patient who was forced to pawn personal belongings just to afford necessary medications before Medicaid expansion.
She noted that since the Affordable Care Act expanded Medicaid, it has improved access to health care significantly for previously underserved demographics.
As policy discussions heat up, doctors highlight the dangers posed by proposed “redetermination” processes that could complicate eligibility and access to care.
Dr. Stephen Wolf, chair of emergency medicine, warned that cuts to Medicaid would have catastrophic ramifications for emergency services, which often serve as the safety net for those without regular primary care access.
He recounted the case of a 50-year-old man who experienced a heart attack due to untreated hypertension after losing his insurance, emphasizing how preventable conditions can escalate when access to health care is diminished.
The overarching message from both patients and health care providers at Denver Health was clear—they are deeply concerned about the potential fallout from budget cuts to Medicaid.
At the heart of these discussions is Denver Health CEO Donna Lynne’s assertion of the hospital’s critical role in the Colorado health care landscape.
Denver Health serves over 125,000 Medicaid patients annually, accounting for nearly half of all patients treated at the hospital.
Lynne emphasized that a significant portion of funding for the institution comes from the federal government, highlighting its reliance on programs like Medicaid.
“It is imperative that we protect and preserve these programs for the hardworking, deserving individuals we serve,” Lynne said, advocating for continued support for Medicaid as a lifeline for many Coloradans.
As Congress deliberates over the budget, the voices of patients and health care professionals underscore the pressing need to safeguard Medicaid from debilitating cuts that could undermine access to essential health services.
The future of these vital programs remains uncertain, but the collective plea from the community is a powerful reminder of the stakes involved in the ongoing budget negotiations.
image source from：https://www.cpr.org/2025/05/29/patients-doctors-explain-importance-of-medicaid/
