Concerns are rising in Southern Philadelphia over the airport’s food options, which some believe might contribute to their mothers facing chronic pain.
A nurse from Telford fears that a drop in her income could lead to her daughter attempting suicide again.
In Doylestown, a mother is struggling to afford her son’s $500 insulin, as he has type 1 diabetes.
In Pennsylvania, about 25% of people qualify for Medicaid, a program funded by both the federal and state government that focuses on providing healthcare to low-income families, children, and individuals with disabilities. This program has become a significant topic in ongoing Congressional budget debates.
President Trump’s initial major policy proposal, dubbed “The Big Beautiful Bill,” seeks to implement over $900 billion in Medicaid cuts over the next decade. This represents an unprecedented reduction since Medicaid was established in 1965.
Proposed changes include new work requirements, biannual eligibility checks, and alterations to the Children’s Health Insurance Program, which could result in many losing their health insurance if enacted, according to a recent non-partisan Congressional Budget Office report.
State officials anticipate that around 300,000 of the nearly 3 million residents eligible for Medicaid in Pennsylvania may face cuts to their benefits.
The aim, officials say, is to make the program sustainable while ensuring it remains accessible for the targeted groups—namely, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with mental health conditions.
However, Democrats and some Republicans express concerns about potential negative effects on constituents, warning that widespread impacts across the healthcare system, including hospital funding burdens and increased personal insurance costs, could arise.
Rep. Brendan Boyle, a Democrat from Philadelphia and member of the House Budget Committee, commented that these cuts would be the largest in U.S. history and criticized the notion that average Medicaid recipients wouldn’t feel the impact as nonsensical.
The bill is still under consideration in the Senate and faces procedural challenges regarding its Medicaid provisions. GOP leaders hope to pass it soon to send it to the House, aiming for Trump’s signature by July 4th.
If approved, the full repercussions for affected individuals may not become clear for at least a year once new work requirements and spending cuts take effect. Meanwhile, countless residents in the Philadelphia area remain uncertain.
Some shared their worries about providing necessary food, whether their children might need to forgo vital medications, or how to fund mental health services that are crucial to their wellbeing.
“It’s truly frightening,” said Melissa Linker, who qualifies for Medicaid due to a disability disorder. “I feel like I’m losing parts of my life.”
Let’s explore how Medicaid influences the lives of five people in Pennsylvania.
Long-term care keeps this family together
Charles Patton Jr. has cared for his mother, Ramona, since his own diagnosis with rheumatoid arthritis in 2010 led him to take on this responsibility. Ramona, who previously worked as a TSA executive at Philadelphia International Airport, had to stop working due to health issues. Now 69, she deals with multiple ailments, including diabetes and fibromyalgia, which affect her mobility.
Initially, both Charles and his father took turns caring for her. However, after his father’s passing in 2015 due to liver cancer, Charles found it increasingly difficult to balance work as a chef and caregiving. Fortunately, they discovered that Ramona qualified for Medicaid as a Home Health Assistant, easing the burden significantly.
The aide currently helps Ramona with her daily tasks and allows Charles to maintain his job while ensuring his mother lives as independently as possible.
Charles, 41, cherishes the ability to work and cook using family recipes, now even branching out to help his mother with different cuisines.
“It has been tough, I mean very hard,” Charles said, reflecting on his caregiving journey. “I’ve had to give up on going out or socializing, making sacrifices for something much more important.”
Mom takes care of herself and her son
Larissa Hopwood’s son, Rowan, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age six. Now 16, he sees numerous specialists for managing his condition, which requires a monthly insulin cost of about $500.
Fortunately for Hopwood, who lives in Drytown as a single mother, Rowan is covered by Medicaid. “It has been a lifesaver. I can’t imagine how we would manage without it,” she noted.
After losing Rowan’s father a few years back, Hopwood struggled to keep her job but managed to enroll in Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, allowing her some financial relief.
She credits Medicaid with not only covering her healthcare needs but also helping her focus on being a better caregiver for Rowan as well as improving her own health.
Now, she has secured a private health plan through Pennsylvania’s ACA market.
Life-saving mental health services
Following her daughter’s suicide attempt, Towanda Eakins is finally witnessing Gianna return to her regular school and social activities after several months of intensive mental health treatment.
Without Medicaid, Eakins wouldn’t have been able to afford the necessary care for her daughter, as she lacks employer-provided health insurance.
Although Gianna’s Medicaid has since expired, they managed to cover her hospitalization due to certain regulations allowing for retrospective coverage. Such provisions, however, may face cuts under federal proposals.
“Honestly, it saved her life,” Eakins shared. “Without it, I shudder to think where we might be.”
As Gianna starts engaging socially again, Eakins feels relieved but continues to reflect on the past struggles her daughter faced.
Health Insurance Limbo
Autumn Finger relayed the stark differences in her son’s behavior when he had access to medication for his anxiety and depression compared to when he did not—his mood was more stable, and sleep improved during the former.
Medicaid covered much of her son’s treatment, but as Finger’s income rose above the qualifying threshold, he lost access to necessary medications that can cost around $500 monthly.
“It weighs on me that he genuinely wants to improve and contribute to society, yet it’s incredibly challenging for him,” she said. “Just recently, he said he wanted to talk to someone, but if we lose those services…”
Living in Rhawnhurst, Finger worries about others who might face similar fates due to the cuts, particularly those needing addiction services. She’s still insured and is contemplating whether to seek a lower-paying job in healthcare to regain coverage.
“We’re not that much?”
Melissa Linker found herself in distress after a fall near her home while walking her dog. This incident exacerbated her existing condition, which makes her vulnerable to injuries.
After years of managing what she refers to as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, she ultimately had to apply for disability after her health deteriorated in 2014.
Since stopping work in 2019, Linker has been relying on Social Security and SNAP benefits for food assistance. Medicaid helps cover her medications and provides a home health aide.
However, she is anxious about potentially losing her Medicaid due to looming changes in work requirements and eligibility checks. While the proposed regulations include exemptions for those with disabilities, analysts caution that individuals may struggle to produce the necessary documentation.
“We aren’t the ones who need to ensure the system is functional for healthy people,” she expressed. “This wasn’t our choice. We didn’t seek out Medicaid; we are just grateful for the support we have.”
