Rep. McBride Stands Against Cuts to Medicaid
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Sarah McBride (D-DE) voted no last week on the Republican budget proposal that would dramatically cut federal funding for Medicaid, threatening care for 1 in 4 Delawareans. In opposing the budget, McBride continues to uplift the stories of Delawareans who rely on Medicaid to live with dignity and access essential health care.
“Medicaid isn’t a line item—it’s a lifeline,” said Rep. McBride. “When you talk to Delawareans living with disabilities, seniors in long-term care, and working parents trying to make ends meet, it’s clear what’s at stake. This budget isn’t about fiscal discipline—it’s about breaking promises to the people we’re supposed to represent.”
Delawareans Speak Out
Rep. McBride has received hundreds of stories from her constituents about how access to Medicaid has saved their lives.
Across Delaware, caregivers rely on Medicaid to help their loved ones live with dignity, safety, and the care they need.
“I’m a small business owner and full-time caregiver for my 80-year-old mother who has vascular dementia. Medicaid helps me manage my own chronic conditions, pay for my son’s asthma medication, and access counseling to stay grounded. Without it, I’d be drowning—not just financially, but emotionally.”
“My wife and I adopted a baby girl born to a mother struggling with addiction. Medicaid covered her medical care and ongoing developmental services—giving her a chance to grow up healthy. Without it, families like ours would be left without the support we need to say ‘yes’ to kids who need homes.”
“My teenage daughter relies on Medicaid for weekly 1:1 therapy sessions to treat her mental health and for medications to help her cope with cancer. Medicaid ensures she can receive the services her life depends on.”
“Our child wouldn’t be able to stay in our home without Medicaid. The cost of care is over $20,000 a month. Medicaid gives us peace of mind—and our child a future.
For Delawareans with lifelong disabilities or complex medical conditions, Medicaid is the foundation of care, independence, and quality of life.
“After suffering multiple strokes, I was left with limited mobility, vision loss, and cognitive impairments. Medicaid paid for physical and speech therapy, nurse visits, and medications. It is the only reason I’m alive—and the only reason I’m still fighting.”
“Without Medicaid, I couldn’t afford the therapies my daughter with cerebral palsy needs to move, eat, and live with dignity. Her wheelchair, adaptive van, and daily care are all supported through the program.”
For many Delawareans, Medicaid is the bridge between getting care and going without it.
“I’m a graduate student working toward a career in public service. I don’t make enough to afford private insurance, but I also don’t qualify for other support. Medicaid allows me to manage chronic health issues while pursuing my education and future.”
“I live on $1,350 a month in Social Security and pay $850 in rent. Medicaid covers my Medicare premiums and prescription drug costs—I truly don’t know how I would survive without it.”
“Even after a lifetime of paying into the system, early retirement for health reasons left me vulnerable. Medicaid helps me afford basic care and prescriptions. It’s not about handouts—it’s about a stable future.”
“I receive $761 a month. Every penny goes toward surviving. Without Medicaid, I couldn’t afford the medications I take daily. It’s that simple.”
“These stories remind us that Medicaid isn’t charity—it’s a promise we make to one another,” said Rep. McBride. “These Delawareans are mothers, small business owners, caregivers, students, and veterans’ families. I’ll never stop fighting to ensure they have the care they need and the dignity they deserve."
What’s at Risk:
Congressional Republicans passed a Budget Resolution on April 10, 2025 that directs the House Committee on Energy and Commerce to cut spending under its jurisdiction by $880 billion in order to fund $4.5 trillion in tax cuts. The Energy and Commerce Committee has jurisdiction over Medicaid, Medicare and CHIP. The Congressional Budget Office found that Medicaid makes up 93% of the spending under their discretion. Eliminating all other programs wouldn’t meet the target of these cuts. The math is clear: deep cuts to Medicaid are the only way to pay for the President’s $4.5 trillion in tax breaks for the wealthy.
In Delaware, Medicaid covers:
- 238,843 people, and 99,182 children
- 1 in 2 children
- 43% moms giving birth and their newborn babies
- 40% of community health center patients
- 53,000 adults ages 50 and older
- 3,600 who use home- and community-based services to stay safely in their homes
- 2,600 who rely on it for nursing home care
- 13,000 who get additional services that Medicare does not cover, notably, long-term care
“I will not sit back while the Trump Administration tries to gut Medicaid and gamble with people’s lives,” McBride added. “These stories aren’t exceptions—they’re the reason I’m in this job. I’ll keep fighting every day to protect and strengthen Medicaid.”
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