ICYMI: Two Central Virginia Women Testify Before Congress to Highlight How Proposed Medicaid Cuts Could Hurt Their Families

As the U.S. Senate continues to consider legislation containing the largest cut to Medicaid in history, two women from Central Virginia traveled to Washington, D.C. this month to testify before a pair of congressional panels on how losing access to the program would hurt their families. 

If passed, the reconciliation bill is expected to throw more than 300,000 people in Virginia off their health coverage to pay for tax cuts that will primarily benefit the ultra-rich. Medicaid provisions in the proposal would force some individuals enrolled in Medicaid expansion to provide documentation twice a year proving they are working, volunteering, or studying at least 80 hours a month or are otherwise exempt.

Katina Moss of Richmond enrolled in Medicaid to access health insurance while she cares for her aging parents. Moss, a small business owner who also works in a floral and gift shop, is a member of The Commonwealth Institute’s racial and economic justice coalition, Collective Work. She stepped back from her small business to prioritize her caregiving responsibilities. On June 11, Moss testified before a panel on Capitol Hill that included Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota) as well as her own Congresswoman, U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan (VA-04). The focus of the forum was to highlight how the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” is a “Big Betrayal of Women.”

“To keep a flexible schedule for caregiving and to maintain my own wellness as a caregiver, I have worked in roles that pay far less than an average income, considering my education and experience,” said Moss. “With Medicaid, I can access the health care I need and deserve. This in turn means I am healthy enough to fulfill my own duties as a caregiver. Women like me rely on Medicaid for our health care. And the people who rely on us for care want the program to be strengthened, not cut.”

A clip of Moss’ testimony is here and a clip of Rep. McClellan’s remarks at the event is here. Photos from the forum are here. 

On June 17, Aida Pacheco of Hanover County testified before a congressional panel that included U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-Virginia). The purpose of the forum was to highlight how the reconciliation bill, dubbed the “Big Beautiful Betrayal,” would allow the mega-rich to profit at the expense of working people. Pacheco spoke to how Medicaid has ensured that her adult daughter, a Richmond resident who was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 43, can access health care now that she can no longer work.

“During treatment, she tried to work part-time until the side effects were causing such fatigue and pain that she was forced to stop,” said Pacheco. “We are so grateful for Medicaid expansion because without the coverage, my daughter would not be able to get the care she needs. For people like my daughter, removing the safety net would mean losing one of the most important tools to fight their battle against cancer.”

The hearing can be viewed here. Senator Kaine introduces Pacheco at 34:04.