LONG BEACH, CA – Today, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) joined L.A. Care Health Plan, Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson, health care providers, and community advocates to highlight the critical role Medicaid plays in ensuring access to quality health care for millions of Americans. The press conference, held at the L.A. Care and Blue Shield Promise Community Resource Center in Long Beach, underscored the devastating impact that proposed Republican cuts to Medicaid would have on working families, seniors, children, and individuals with disabilities.
“Medicaid is a lifeline for more than 10.4 million Californians,” said Congresswoman Barragán. “It ensures that families, children, seniors, and people with disabilities can see a doctor, afford their prescriptions, and get the in-home care they need to live with dignity. The Republican proposals to slash Medicaid funding would rip this safety net away from those who need it most, putting lives at risk and increases costs for everyone.”
“Medicaid is a lifeline for millions of families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities here in Long Beach and across the country. In fact, 36% of Long Beach residents are enrolled in Medi-Cal not to mention those enrolled in Covered California,” said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson. “Any attempt to cut these critical resources is an attack on our most vulnerable neighbors. We are here today to send a clear message: We will fight to protect and expand access to quality health care, not roll it back. I stand with Congresswoman Barragan, L.A. Care, and our health care advocates in ensuring that every resident—regardless of income—has the care they need and deserve.”
“Federal proposals to cut Medicaid funding, impose work requirements, or shift costs to states threaten Medi-Cal’s stability. These cuts would reduce coverage, limit access to doctors and mental health services, and eliminate critical benefits like dental and vision care,” said Martha Santana-Chin, CEO of L.A. Care Health Plan, the nation’s largest publicly operated health plan. “We recognize that Washington faces tough budget decisions, but balancing the budget should not come at the expense of working families, seniors, and children. Healthcare is not a partisan issue—it’s a human one.”