Rachel Phipps is a Down Home NC member who lives with two chronic illnesses. In this powerful piece she outlines the potential consequences of the drastic changes to Medicaid that are included in the budget proposal that was passed in the US House of Representatives last week. The below text was published as a letter to the editor by Cardinal & Pine on March 26, 2025.
For 12 years, I have lived with two autoimmune diseases, Lupus and Multiple Sclerosis, that require constant care and treatment.
Since being diagnosed, Medicaid has been my lifeline, providing the infusion treatments that allow me to function daily. Without this support, my quality of life would drastically decline, and I could face premature death.
That’s why I am deeply concerned about the devastating impacts Republicans’ proposed Medicaid cuts would have on me, and countless other North Carolinians in our state’s small towns and rural communities.
The budget blueprint passed by the US House of Representatives threatens to reverse North Carolina’s Medicaid expansion, potentially leaving over 600,000 residents without essential healthcare coverage. This is not just a statistic; it is a crisis that will affect real people, including myself.
Life for me can sometimes feel like battling an unending storm; each day is a struggle against overwhelming fatigue, intense pain, and brain fog, making even the simplest tasks feel insurmountable. Reduced mobility hinders my ability to engage fully in life, stripping away the hopes of returning to work, completing my graduate degree, and actively contributing to the youth and community that mean so much to me.
The thought of missing my two-year-old grandson’s high school graduation weighs heavily on my heart, a painful reminder of the future I might not witness. As Medicaid faces cuts, this becomes a harsh reality not just for me, but for countless others grappling with debilitating diseases. The reduction in support threatens our very ability to manage our conditions, leaving us in a fight for survival against both our illnesses and a system that seems to turn its back on those who need it most.
My ties to this issue extend beyond my personal health. As a substitute teacher and founder of a nonprofit aimed at supporting at-risk and system-involved youth, I witness first hand the critical role Medicaid plays in ensuring children from working-class families and those living in poverty receive the healthcare and mental health support they need. The proposed cuts would strip these vulnerable children of their safety net, exacerbating inequality and hindering their educational and personal development.
If we don’t act today, tomorrow we’ll wish for a rewind to prevent the dire impact these cuts would have on lives, the economy, mental health, and healthcare.
Senator Thom Tillis, as our representative, needs to hear from us, his constituents. We are at a crossroads, and the future is not yet written. We are the majority, and together, we can make a difference. We must urge Senator Tillis to oppose these cuts and ensure that Medicaid remains fully funded.
If no action is taken, the consequences will be dire. Hundreds of thousands will lose their insurance, and our state will suffer a significant economic blow. However, if we unite and demand action, we can protect our communities and secure a healthier future for all North Carolinians.
I urge readers to contact Senator Tillis and express their opposition to the proposed Medicaid cuts. Together, we can ensure that Medicaid continues to provide essential healthcare services to those who need them most.
The time for decisive action is now, as the proposed cuts to Medicaid threaten not only the healthcare of vulnerable populations but also the very fabric of our communities. We cannot afford to stand idly by while these essential services are dismantled. The ripple effects of these cuts will extend far beyond individual health outcomes; they will undermine the stability of our economy and place an increased burden on our local healthcare systems.
The loss of insurance coverage for hundreds of thousands will lead to rising rates of preventable illnesses, increased emergency room visits, and a strain on already overworked providers. By standing together and voicing our concerns, we can compel Senator Tillis to recognize the urgent need to preserve Medicaid and safeguard the wellbeing of our friends, families, and neighbors.
As engaged citizens, it is our responsibility to advocate for what is right and just. Expressing our opposition to these proposed cuts is not merely about healthcare; it is about ensuring that every North Carolinian has access to the fundamental right of medical assistance.
Let us remind Senator Tillis that his decisions impact real lives and that the health of our community is at stake. Each call or message sent in opposition to Medicaid cuts amplifies our collective voice, demonstrating that we will not accept a future stripped of essential services.
Together, we can rally for change, affirm our commitment to the health and prosperity of all North Carolinians, and urge our elected officials to prioritize the needs of their constituents over political agendas. Now is the time to act with purpose and conviction.
Rachel Phipps
