25-02-2025
Arkansans share concerns with Medicaid work requirements, cuts at meeting
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Millions of Americans rely on Medicaid but here in Arkansas some say their access to health care is being threatened.
Possible Medicaid cuts announced by President Donald Trump and a work requirement waiver suggested by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders pushed many to fire back at lawmakers.
'Medicaid is not a piggy bank that they can break and pay for tax cuts for the wealthiest people, and the wealthiest corporations in this country,' one person said at Monday's Medicaid Town Hall meeting.
Trump's vow to preserve Medicaid collides with House GOP plan for tax cuts
People at the meeting say they've been made to feel like a burden to taxpayers, but that's not the case, according to Brooke Hele.
'Most of the people who are on Medicaid, they do work, they already contribute back to society,' Hele said.
For those who are unemployed, Arkansas Advocates say health plays a part. Hele said limiting access to health care won't help.
'If you don't have people that are healthy enough to work then they're not going to be able to work,' Hele said.
For the last four years, Arkansas has been ranked 48th in America's health ranking report. Those at the meeting say a change in access to benefits could only make things worse.
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announces planned Medicaid work requirement details
But for now, advocates like Neil Sealy are pushing those on Medicaid to fight back.
'Go to your representatives and your two senators and ask them to tell Governor Sanders to withdraw the work requirements,' Sealy said.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
