Protests Erupt Over Proposed Medicaid Cuts in Staten Island

STATEN ISLAND, NY — On a scorching day, over 40 people convened outside Richmond University Medical Center in West Brighton to voice their concerns over looming Medicaid cuts, which are currently facing scrutiny in the Senate.

Healthcare workers, including nurses, medical assistants, and even store clerks, stood alongside members of the Health Care Union (1199SEIU), brandishing colorful, hand-made signs. Their message was clear: opposition to President Donald Trump’s proposed legislation.

This bill, which squeaked through the House last month by a narrow 215-214 vote, is now making its way through the Senate.

Should the bill remain unchanged, it promises various tax cuts that, unfortunately, come at the expense of other critical programs such as Medicaid and SNAP.

Participants in the rally expressed apprehension about the potential fallout. Many emphasized that for hospitals like RUMC, which depend on Medicaid for approximately a third of their funding, the impact could be devastating. “These poor people need their Medicaid—it’s baffling,” remarked Diane Donaghy, president of the New York Nurse Association at RUMC. “Staten Island can’t afford to lose two hospitals. It feels like the government is just playing a game.”

Medical assistant Sonia Mora-Santos echoed this sentiment, saying, “We have a diverse, low-income population. I see families with special needs children struggling. These cuts really put their healthcare in jeopardy.” She noted that such reductions make follow-up appointments unaffordable for many.

Protester Tom McIntyre drew attention to Rep. Nicole Malliotakis and her role in the bill’s passage. His poster recently featured a provocative question directed at her, asking when she plans to address the situation, adding, “Next November, we’ll remember which politicians let us down.” He crafted the sign mindful of past protests and the ongoing fight for healthcare.

McIntyre, who worked briefly as an organizer at RUMC, expressed deep concerns about the hospital’s future if this bill passes. “In my short tenure, I saw the financial struggles firsthand. Honestly, I can’t see how RUMC will survive this.”

Malliotakis defended the bill, arguing that it protects vulnerable populations while aiming to eliminate fraud. She mentioned that many working-age adults without children would also face changes, suggesting they, too, need to contribute more to the system.

However, many healthcare professionals at RUMC worry that the cuts will hurt essential services. “If these cuts go through, patients, hospitals, and healthcare workers will all be affected,” lamented Lisa Yeno, a nurse in the ICU. “It’s just about fundamental care.”

Sam Alfonso, an anesthesia technician, expressed his distress over the potential changes. He fears that the cuts will significantly affect community healthcare: “These proposed changes impact our society’s most vulnerable, including children and the elderly.” His mother, also a Medicaid recipient, relies heavily on the services provided.

Marie Tyndale, another employee at RUMC, suggested the approach to cutting budgets needs to be more systematic. “We can’t just slash broadly—we need to find a balance.”

As lawmakers debate the future of Medicaid, many voices insist that thoughtful consideration is essential to ensure the most affected populations are protected.