Parents of children with cancer in the US fear possible Republican plans to cut Medicaid
Parents of children with cancer fear GOP Medicaid cuts (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
Millions of American families with critically ill children are alarmed by proposed Medicaid cuts currently debated in Congress, NBC News reports.
Families fear losing their last hope
In Florida, seven-year-old Tony, once an energetic boy, was suddenly overwhelmed by fatigue and diagnosed with leukemia just before Christmas.
His mother, Pauline McLaurin, trusted her instincts and brought him to the ER after his symptoms worsened. Tony's ongoing treatment forced Pauline to quit her teaching job, and now the family relies solely on her husband Ronnie's income as an electrician.
The McLaurin family from Florida cares for their 7-year-old son Tony, who is battling leukemia (Collage by RBC-Ukraine)
Losing private insurance made Medicaid their only source of coverage, but that too is now under threat.
"It's a very scary, uneasy feeling," Pauline admitted, sharing her anxiety as Republican lawmakers discuss massive federal budget cuts that may severely reduce Medicaid funding.
Parents fear losing vital health coverage for their child with cancer (Collage by RBC-Ukraine)
The McLaurins are not alone — Mary Ann Massolio, who runs a special school for children with cancer, says many parents have recently voiced fears about losing this critical support. "It's anxiety on steroids," Massolio said.
Experts warn of dangerous consequences
According to the American Cancer Society, Medicaid covers one out of every three children diagnosed with cancer in the US.
Despite promises from Donald Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson that "Medicaid won't be touched," independent experts stress that hitting the proposed Republican budget targets is nearly impossible without significant Medicaid cuts.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee has been tasked with finding nearly $900 billion in savings, making Medicaid a likely target.
"If these cuts go through, some children with cancer could die," warned Dr. Sharon Castellino, a pediatric oncologist at Emory University.
Studies confirm that interruptions in Medicaid coverage reduce a sick child's chances of survival. While politicians insist that eligible families won't be affected, experts and advocates caution that even if basic hospital care is protected, other vital services — such as transportation and in-home nursing, may vanish.
While families like the McLaurins are hoping for continued support, parents in other states face even tougher dilemmas.
In Iowa, for example, some parents are forced to relinquish custody so their children can access essential psychiatric care through state services - a step they take not by choice, but because the public system leaves them with no other options.
In this climate, even familiar safety nets no longer feel secure, and families across the country are confronted with choices no one should ever have to make.
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