One-Pager Published May 12, 2025 · 3 minute read
Five Keys to Speaking Out Against Medicaid Cuts
Darbin Wofford, David Kendall, & Blair Elliott
Republicans are once again targeting Medicaid. They are proposing deep cuts and structural changes that would jeopardize health care for 72 million Americans who depend on the program—including children, people with disabilities, seniors, and working-class families. Below, we highlight five key messages for Democrats to use when talking about Medicaid to their constituents.
1. Medicaid cuts will hurt working families.
Republicans frame Medicaid as welfare, but the program is a lifeline for working families. Half of Medicaid spending goes to retired workers or people who can't work; the other half supports workers and their children. Cuts to Medicaid mean less funding for nursing homes, home care, and coverage that helps people stay healthy and get back to work. Without it, families will face greater caregiving burdens, more medical debt, and reduced economic security. GOP cuts could push 2.8 million more people into medical debt, adding $26 billion in new debt nationwide.
2. It is everybody’s problem.
Medicaid funds nearly 20% of hospital care every year. Major cuts would devastate rural hospitals, safety-net providers, and nursing homes, leading to staffing shortages, service reductions, and closures throughout the health care system. These impacts would ripple through communities and affect everyone—not just those on Medicaid. Cuts could also force independent doctors to close or consolidate into larger health systems, reducing access to care across the board.
3. States have different names for Medicaid.
Many people know Medicaid by their state’s program name—like MassHealth (Massachusetts) or Apple Health (Washington). Democrats should remember to use these local names to connect the dots for voters, making clear that their care is on the chopping block. Some Medicaid enrollees may also know Medicaid by the name of the managed care plan that provides Medicaid benefits.
4. Taking away health care for tax cuts is very unpopular.
Voters strongly oppose cutting health care to fund tax breaks for the wealthy—82% oppose it overall, including 74% of Trump voters. Even when focused just on Medicaid, 78% of voters disapprove cutting the program, including 67% of Trump voters. The most powerful message: Republicans are gutting health care to pay for tax cuts for billionaires.
5. Health care is a winning issue for Democrats. Lean into it.
Republicans prioritize tax cuts for the wealthy at the expense of health care. Democrats prioritize lowering costs and expanding affordable coverage. Leaning into health care will show voters who is fighting for them—and who is making their lives harder.
