On Thursday, Michigan Families for Fair Care brought together residents of Michigan’s 7th Congressional District in Lansing for a Medicaid roundtable focused on the growing threat to affordable health care. Community members gathered to share their experiences navigating rising costs and coverage instability, and to call on Congressman Tom Barrett to protect access to care.
The discussion created space for residents to speak candidly about the challenges they are facing as health care becomes increasingly expensive. For many, the expiration of Affordable Care Act tax credits at the end of 2025 have already led to higher premiums and difficult decisions about whether they can afford to stay covered. Others spoke about the fear of losing Medicaid coverage altogether and what that would mean for their families.
“Health care has gotten so expensive already, everyone worries about how long they’ll be able to afford their coverage. Thousands of families across this district are facing unfair choices because of our Congressman's decision to vote for a law that traded health care for tax breaks for billionaires,” said Cynthia, MI-07 resident.”Congressman Barrett needs to focus on families, the same families that elected him, rather than the billionaires profiting from all this plight.”
Throughout the roundtable, attendees connected these concerns to policy decisions supported by Congressman Barrett that threaten access to Medicaid for millions of people in this state. Advocates emphasized that cuts to Medicaid and the loss of federal support directly impact whether people can see a doctor, fill a prescription, or receive preventive care.“The more time passes, and the less action is taken to address an incoming crisis. I already see families putting off health decisions because of their financial priorities. It shouldn’t have to be this way,” said Ashley, MI-07 resident and nurse. “As a nurse, I urge Congressman Barrett to listen to the people he’s meant to represent. The Republican Tax Law hurt thousands of people, and if nothing is done to fund Medicaid, many more are at risk “
Michigan families are doing everything they can to maintain their health and financial stability, but they cannot absorb continued increases in costs or reductions in coverage. They are calling for leadership that recognizes the importance of accessible health care and takes steps to ensure it remains within reach. Michigan Families for Fair Care is urging Congressman Barrett to oppose policies that cut Medicaid, support efforts to lower health care costs, and prioritize the needs of working families across the district.
