Affordability
Stop the Healthcare Heist – Medicaid Day of Action Virtual Event
07. 31. 2026
Senators, doctors, experts, and Medicaid families call on Congress to reverse GOP health cuts on the 61st anniversary of Medicaid and Medicare
On Thursday, July 30th, 2026, Economic Security Project Action, Doctors for America, and Unrig the Economy hosted a virtual press event calling on Congress to stop Republicans’ healthcare heist. This event featured perspectives from lawmakers, healthcare workers, experts, and families who rely on Medicaid.
Speakers highlighted how Republican health cuts will terminate healthcare for millions of people, force folks with serious illnesses like cancer to jump through hoops to keep their Medicaid coverage, force close hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes to close, and raise health costs for us all. They urged Congress to reverse the cuts and go further to make sure that every American can get the healthcare they need without breaking the bank.
Anna Aurilio, Interim Vice President of ESPA moderated the event, and speakers included:
- Senator Ron Wyden (Oregon)
- Senator Chris Van Hollen (Maryland)
- Jennifer Graham Partyka, a 30-year ER nurse in Pennsylvania whose son relies on Medicaid to cover care for a severe chronic condition
- Dr. Kreena Patel, a primary care physician in Georgia who previously worked at a Federally Qualified Health Center, which depends on Medicaid funding
- Toni Brinegar, an Idaho community leader whose son needs Medicaid for in-home care and prescriptions to manage his severe developmental disabilities
- Professor Dan Skinner, a professor of health policy at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine and editor-in-chief of World Medical & Health Policy.