Brian Lacomchek: How Medicaid Cuts Threaten Lives Like Brian’s

Brian, a Philadelphia resident, has relied heavily on Medicaid for nearly two decades. Paralyzed at the age of 27 from gunshot wounds, he has spent nearly 20 years managing a series of serious health complications, including recurring bed sores and bone infections. Now, in his late 40s, the incoming Medicaid cuts aren’t just unsettling, they are dangerous.

Three out of four of Brian’s latest infections turned septic, requiring urgent care, “The last six months I’ve been hospitalized four times,” Brian said. Without Medicaid, the cost of even one of those medical stays would be out of reach. “The hospital stay for a week, just the room and board, not including the IV medications, was $10,500,” he said.

Medicaid supports nearly every aspect of Brian’s care. “My wound care nurse and doctor visits, medical equipment, hospital bed, shower chairs,” he explained. These essential items and services allow Brian to live at home and maintain his health and dignity. Without Medicaid, he said plainly, “Medical supplies and visits will stop because I won’t be able to afford it. It’s life-ending.”

The uncertainty about Medicaid’s future has taken a deep mental and emotional toll. “It’s mentally draining,” he said. “Just the start of the conversation is stressful.” He fears not just for himself, but for others who depend on Medicaid to survive. “It’s just stress that we don’t need,” he said, citing the children, elderly, and residents of nursing homes who will also be harmed by cuts to care.

For Brian, Medicaid has been more than health insurance. It has been the foundation for stability after life-altering trauma. It helped cover the cost of his $17,500 power wheelchair and $900 monthly medications and supported his transition from a nursing home to independent living. He’s even received meals through Medicaid-supported programs. He knows firsthand what’s at risk.

“There’s a lot of people like me in my situation or worse,” Brian said. “Just give us a chance.” When asked whether he had taken any steps to prepare for cuts, he responded, “I hate to say it like this, but just writing goodbye letters.”

For Brian and millions of others, Medicaid is the difference between care and crisis. To lawmakers, Brian offers a simple message: “I just hope they get it. All the stress and worry that they’re laying upon people, it’s just unnecessary.”