As Vote on TrumpCare Nears, #SaveMedicaid Movement Grows

The movement to save Medicaid from the Republican chopping block continued on Tuesday, with actions happening on the ground and on social media, just days before the House of Representatives votes on the American Healthcare Act (AHCA), the GOP’s answer to the Affordable Healthcare Act (ACA), or Obamacare.

Hundreds of Medicaid supporters held a “die-in” outside of Rep. Darrell Issa’s (R-Calif.) office to express concerns that Republicans are angling to gut Medicaid as part of the replacement bill.

“Everyone should have access to affordable health care. My husband is getting out of the Marine Corps and if he doesn’t find a job that’s a problem for my children and family,” one protester told local media. The die-in had been organized by the progressive groups MoveOn.org and Indivisible, the latter of which grew out of the resistance movement to President Donald Trump after his November election.

The president is attempting to amass support for the ACA replacement bill by appealing directly to GOP lawmakers two days before the House votes on the measure, in what is expected to be a major test of Trump’s power.

But most eyes are on Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), who has made no secret of his opposition to Medicaid. On Monday, Ryan and other Republicans unveiled their latest version of the plan, which includes a controversial work requirement for Medicaid recipients.