GOP Medicaid Cuts Spark Outrage as New Ad Targets Vulnerable Lawmaker
Key Takeaways:
- A new ad campaign criticizes Rep. Don Bacon for supporting Medicaid cuts.
- The ad features Audrey, a Nebraska woman, whose grandchildren rely on Medicaid.
- The GOP budget plan cuts $700 billion from Medicaid over a decade.
- Critics argue these cuts will harm millions of families and children.
- The Senate will decide the fate of the controversial bill.
New Ad Calls Out Republican Lawmaker for Medicaid Cuts
A new ad airing in Nebraska is calling out Rep. Don Bacon for his support of a plan that could cut Medicaid for millions of Americans. The ad is part of a nationwide campaign to highlight the impact of these cuts on families.
Who’s Behind the Ad?
The ad features Audrey, a Nebraska grandmother. Audrey shares how her step-daughter and three grandchildren depend on Medicaid for healthcare. She says, “It’s important that we continue to have Medicaid — it’s lifesaving. But Congressman Don Bacon doesn’t act like it. He’s cutting Medicaid to give tax breaks to big corporations and billionaires.”
Audrey emphasizes that without Medicaid, her grandkids would lose access to healthcare, immunizations, and other essential services. She calls it “very important” and something that shouldn’t be taken away to fund tax breaks for the wealthy.
The Controversial Budget Plan
Late last month, Rep. Don Bacon voted for a budget plan that includes over $700 billion in Medicaid cuts over the next ten years. The plan also adds work reporting requirements that could remove health insurance from as many as 14 million people.
Analysts warn these cuts would harm low-income families, children, and people with disabilities who rely on Medicaid. Before voting, Bacon had said he wouldn’t support cuts over $500 billion. However, he ultimately backed the plan, which includes much deeper cuts.
Reaction to Bacon’s Vote
Kobie Christian of the Unrig Our Economy coalition, which is running the ad campaign, criticized Bacon’s decision. “Nebraska families like Audrey’s have been struggling to afford healthcare for years, and Congressman Bacon decided it was a good idea to vote for the largest cut to Medicaid in American history,” Christian said.
Christian added, “Congressman Bacon didn’t just vote to rip away healthcare from children and families. He voted to hand that money to millionaires and billionaires. Congressman Bacon had a choice — and he chose billionaires over working families like Audrey’s.”
What’s Next for the Bill?
The budget plan is now in the hands of the GOP-controlled Senate. Senators are expected to make changes before sending it back to the House for final approval. However, it’s unclear if Republican senators will soften the harsh cuts to Medicaid.
Some Senate Republicans, like Josh Hawley of Missouri, have expressed concerns about cutting Medicaid benefits. Hawley recently said President Trump told him, “NO MEDICAID BENEFIT CUTS.” But Hawley still supports work requirements for Medicaid, which experts say are unfair and ineffective. Most Medicaid recipients already work, and these requirements could strip healthcare from millions of eligible people.
Tony Carrk of the watchdog group Accountable.US said, “Let’s see if Senator Hawley, President Trump, and other Republican senators who’ve shunned Medicaid cuts practice what they preach. If they are a ‘no’ on Medicaid cuts, then they can’t support any version of the current reconciliation bill that slashes healthcare for millions of Americans.”
Why This Matters
The debate over Medicaid cuts is heating up as the 2026 elections approach. Lawmakers like Rep. Don Bacon, who is considered vulnerable in his reelection bid, are facing increasing scrutiny for their votes on this issue. Advocacy groups are hoping to draw attention to the potential harm of these cuts and hold lawmakers accountable.
For families like Audrey’s, the stakes are personal. Medicaid is a lifeline that provides essential healthcare services. If these cuts go through, millions of Americans could lose access to the care they need.
As the Senate debates the budget plan, one thing is clear: the future of Medicaid — and the health of millions — hangs in the balance.