Nebraska For Us, experts lead discussion on state Medicaid cuts and program's anniversary
Local advocates discuss impact of cuts as new phase takes effect Saturday, August 1
OMAHA, Nebraska (July 29, 2026)—As this week marks the 61st anniversary of the Medicaid program, the deadline for public comment on a new rule that would force patients with serious conditions—including cancer and Multiple Sclerosis—to work for their health care or lose coverage, and the implementation of new Medicaid cuts in Nebraska, Nebraska For Us welcomed a panel of experts for a virtual discussion along with those who have seen the benefits of Medicaid firsthand.
They also shared the risks and challenges associated with implementing $1 trillion in cuts to a program that keeps many patients and health care providers afloat. The program is so well-supported that Nebraskans voted to expand Medicaid back in 2018.
“Nebraskans are feeling the pinch in many different directions, and health care is no exception,” said Kelsey Arends, Senior Staff Attorney for Health Care at Nebraska Appleseed. “This program is for people who have no other options for health care coverage. The uninsured rate dropped in Nebraska by nearly 15% in the first two years after Medicaid expanded. Congress got a lot wrong in the Republican Tax Law and designed it in a way to kick people off of coverage when they are in need.”
“Lawmakers understood that these Medicaid cuts would provide a real impact on rural hospitals,” Nemaha County Hospital CEO Marty Fattig said. “Rural hospitals across the state of Nebraska are in dire straits. More than 40% operate in the red every month. The cuts to the ACA Marketplace, coupled with Medicaid cuts, have put many people in a place where they cannot afford to get sick.”
Last July, Congressmen Don Bacon and Mike Flood voted to cut a whopping $1 trillion from the Medicaid program through the Republican Tax Law at a time when health care costs keep rising, along with a host of other expenses. The amount is twice as high as what Rep. Bacon previously said was his “red line” of $500 billion in cuts.
In addition to those focused on the societal and financial impact, Nebraska For Us welcomed speakers who are personally impacted by Medicaid and are worried about what will come next.
“I am responsible for the care of my disabled brother, and the worry our family feels with these potential cuts is on a constant loop,” Medicaid advocate A.T. Miller said. “My brother has been on disability for over 20 years, and that disability is not going away. However, his support may go away. My brother’s dignity is about stability, and what we are always celebrating is another month not having to go to the hospital.”
“Medicaid, literally, saved my life,” Medicaid recipient Alexander Liu said. “Six days before my 30th birthday, I was officially told I had a brain tumor which was causing many health issues. If they hadn’t accidentally found the tumor, it would have killed me. I had surgery less than 48 hours after that MRI due to how serious the situation was. Without Medicaid, I could not get the specialized care I needed. These funding cuts are essentially a disability tax.”
“These massive cuts and the associated chaos were entirely preventable,” Nebraska For Us State Director Angie Lauritsen said. “Times are tough for so many Nebraskans right now. Costs keep rising at an unsustainable rate, and the economy has not improved in a manner in which people can afford to go without health coverage. Hardworking Nebraskans need support, not continual cuts.”
Nebraska For Us offers these virtual discussions as a service to the community to provide more information about key economic issues affecting people here at home, including these cuts to Medicaid. We also continue to call attention to the votes our federal delegation has cast in order to make these cuts a reality.
