Oxnard, CA – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley joined local healthcare leaders to denounce the Republican proposal for the largest Medicaid cuts in history – jeopardizing care for millions, including over 200,000 Ventura County residents. Below are Congresswoman Brownley’s remarks as prepared:
“As all of you know all too well, these are very tumultuous times.
“Families across Ventura County are facing so many challenges – and so much uncertainty.
“To further create uncertainty for the families, the seniors, the veterans, and the children who rely on Medicaid for their healthcare is just callous and cruel.
“I am here today – with Dr. Pawar and Jenna and other healthcare providers – because Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress are pushing through the largest Medicaid cut in history – nearly $1 trillion – to fund tax breaks for the rich… not just rich, but the wealthiest individuals in this country.
“This egregious – and outright wrong – proposal rips health care away from tens of millions of people and raises costs for millions more, as emergency room visits will skyrocket, and uncompensated care will force providers to shift costs.
“This tax scheme will dismantle Medicaid – as we know it – for the 80 million Americans who rely on it.
“Medicaid is more than just health insurance – it is a lifeline for over 200,000 people in Ventura County and the Conejo Valley – including 80,000 children and 24,000 seniors.
“These individuals are now at risk of losing access to the care they depend on.
“And it doesn’t just stop there.
“In Ventura County alone, 38,000 people who receive coverage under the Affordable Care Act could see their premiums rise by nearly $3,000 a year – $3,000 A YEAR!
“These cuts will threaten health care coverage and the health outcomes for our children, jeopardize care for millions of our seniors and people with disabilities, and undermine our ability to confront the opioid and overdose crisis that is devastating communities across the country.
“For the last couple of years, we were on track to make healthcare more affordable and accessible for all Americans — to lift children out of poverty and build healthier, stronger communities.
“These are the values we should all be fighting for.
“Instead, Republicans are handing massive tax breaks to billionaires while forcing seniors and families to make impossible choices – between their healthcare, food, and rent.
“Here in Ventura County, Clinicas del Camino Real and Planned Parenthood play a critical role in providing care for our community’s most vulnerable.
“More than 70% of Clinicas’ patients rely on Medicaid.
“They come to Clinicas because they know they can access the quality and timely care they need — like primary care, dental services, prescriptions, and more — without fear of being turned away.
“And when this country has failed to provide essential health care – when our federal safety net has fallen short – Planned Parenthood has stepped up.
“From opening the new health center in Oxnard to expanding access to primary care and mental health services, Planned Parenthood’s work is fundamental to the health and well-being of people – from all walks of life – across our region.
“But if these cuts go through, community health providers like Clinicas and Planned Parenthood will be forced to scale back services or even turn away patients.
“That means fewer people will be able to get the care they need – worsening our nation’s healthcare crisis.
“Let me be clear: these cuts are wholly unacceptable.
“We cannot – and we will not – stand by while Republicans in the House, Senate, and White House destroy a program that millions rely on to live with dignity.
“Medicaid is a cornerstone of our commitment to providing healthcare to those who need it most.
“Every American deserves access to timely, affordable, high-quality care.
“That is why I will never stop fighting to protect Medicaid — for our children, for our seniors, and for everyone who depends on it.
“And that’s why I am so grateful to all of you for being here today – because this fight is far from over and this is a fight we can win together.”
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