Federal budget proposals worry Wisconsin Medicaid recipients

Hundreds of protesters gathered in front of U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson’s Madison office Tuesday to voice their concerns over potential cuts to Medicaid.

The Republican-led Congress is considering significant cuts to Medicaid, the government health insurance program for low-income households. In Wisconsin, that includes programs like BadgerCare Plus, which serves children, pregnant people and non-disabled adults, and long-term care programs for people with disabilities and seniors.

The House budget proposal could cut more than $880 billion in mandatory spending from the committee that oversees Medicaid, according to reporting by KFF Health News. While the Senate’s proposal doesn’t specify exact cuts, they plan to offset over $300 billion in new spending, according to NPR.

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A large crowd stands outdoors holding various protest signs on a sunny day, with leafless trees and a clear blue sky in the background. — Hundreds of protestors stand outside of U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson’s Madison office to protest potential cuts to Medicaid. *Addie Costello/WPR*

Dane County resident Laurine Lusk organized the protest because her daughter Megan is disabled and relies on the government program.

“She’s not safe without this care,” Lusk said.

She wanted to voice her concerns over any cuts to her daughter’s care, but she said she struggled to get in touch with Johnson’s office.

In a response to questions from WPR and Wisconsin Watch about the protest and complaints that constituents were having trouble reaching him, Sen. Johnson provided a statement.

“It is difficult to respond to complaints and protests that have no basis in truth or fact. It is unfortunate that Democrat elected officials are lying to their supporters regarding the Senate Budget Resolution and encouraging them to take to the ‘streets,’” Johnson wrote. “I sincerely hope their actions do not result in violence. My primary goal is to keep my Wisconsin staff safe while enabling them to continue dedicating their efforts to help constituents.”

A crowd gathers outdoors holding signs, including one that reads ANSWER YOUR PHONE RON. One person in a pink hat uses a smartphone. — A Madison protestor holds up a cardboard sign that says, “Answer your phone, Ron.” *Addie Costello/WPR*

The Republican senator’s office was closed to visitors Tuesday due to “previously scheduled outside commitments,” according to a sign taped to the office door.

Protestors chanted, “Hey, hey, ho, ho, Ron Johnson has got to go.” One protester held up a sign that said, “Answer your phone, Ron.”

U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman faced a hostile crowd last week at a town hall in Oshkosh. When asked about Medicaid, he said cutting the program “would be a mistake,” according to previous WPR reporting. Other Republican representatives have come out against cuts to Medicaid.

Dorothy Witzeling drove from Appleton to join the protest.

“I am terrified of what I am seeing happening with our government,” she said.

Witzeling carried a sign with a photo of her late brother who had Down syndrome and relied on Medicaid for care.

A person holds a sign about their brothers life expectancy at a protest. People are gathered in the background. — Appleton resident Dorothy Witzeling attends a Madison protest against potential Medicaid cuts. She holds a sign with a photo of her brother who relied on the government program. Addie Costello/WPR

Former Madison alder and former Dane County Board member Barbara Vedder said she attended the protest because she has a disability and could not live without Medicaid.

“This is what democracy looks like,” Vedder said. “It brings my spirits up to see so many people speaking up because this needs to change.”