APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) – Stacks of handwritten testimonies lined the tables at Wednesday’s “Protect Medicaid” rally in the Fox Cities, each sheet representing a local patient whose health and livelihood depend on the program.
“Each one of these papers represents the voice of a patient and someone who lives in the Fox Cities area,” said Trish Sarvela, chief development officer of Partnership Community Health Center. “These are reasons and stories why people believe Medicaid is important because it changes their lives.”
Father of teen who killed teacher & student at Wisconsin school faces felony charges
Sarvela and other advocates warn that trimming benefits or imposing stricter eligibility requirements could have dire consequences for low-income residents, the disabled and senior citizens.
“For many, these benefits aren’t optional — they’re life-saving,” she added.
Among those sharing their stories was 88-year-old Peggy Skruch, a lifelong Wisconsinite on both Medicare and Medicaid.
“I’m on 25 pills a day,” Skruch said. “If I didn’t have my ForwardHealth, I wouldn’t be able to afford the medication that’s keeping me alive. And I want to reach my 100th birthday — Medicaid is helping me do that.”
Families like that of Aaron Depies also spoke out on behalf of loved ones who cannot advocate for themselves. Depies’ seven-year-old stepdaughter is non-verbal and autistic, and relies on Medicaid for therapy and medical equipment.
“For us as a family, it would affect every aspect of our living if she were to get cut off completely,” he said.
Congressman Tony Wied (R-WI-08), who represents much of northeast Wisconsin, told reporters he opposes any budget that “guts Medicaid.”
“We must do this to strengthen Medicaid for the most vulnerable Americans who truly depend on it,” he said, pledging to fight proposed reductions.
Two in Wisconsin arrested on drug charges after hotel employee discovers narcotics in room
Organizers plan to deliver the collected testimonies to state and federal offices in the coming weeks.
They’re calling on all Medicaid enrollees and their supporters to contact their elected representatives and share their own stories before decisions are made.
