The Impact of Proposed Medicaid Cuts on Nebraska Families and Children

In a heartfelt Op-Ed, Mike Bird, the President and CEO of Connected Roots Care Center (CRCC), emphasizes the significant risks that come with cutting Medicaid funding, particularly for vulnerable families and children. His central message: healthcare is a personal matter for Nebraska families, whose livelihoods could be jeopardized by these proposed budget reductions.

Every day, Bird observes firsthand the struggles of families at CRCC, where they provide early childhood education for kids of all developmental abilities. Some youngsters are just beginning to take their first steps, while others have more complex physical and communicative needs. Each child deserves comprehensive care and developmental support—something that Medicaid helps facilitate.

Bird expresses grave concern regarding the House of Representatives’ proposal to cut over $800 billion from Medicaid, alongside potential further reductions by the Senate. For those served by CRCC, this isn’t merely a political debate; it is about survival. Many families rely on Medicaid for vital services, and any cuts to this program signify a direct threat to their well-being.

Medicaid is not just a healthcare program; it’s a lifeline for children with disabilities. These children often require specialized therapies, adaptive equipment, nursing support, and behavioral interventions that aren't covered by other insurance options. In Nebraska, one in two children with special needs depend on Medicaid for critical care that keeps them safe, healthy, and in a position to learn and grow.

Bird points out that Medicaid is actually more cost-effective than private insurance per enrollee. The program also plays a pivotal role in workforce empowerment, allowing parents to work without the burden of choosing between employment and caregiving.

At CRCC, the organization can offer comprehensive child care services thanks to a funding model that is supported by three pillars: family contributions, insurance coverage, and public programs like Medicaid. This balance is crucial, as losing even one of these legs could destabilize the entire service foundation. The cuts proposed by Congress would disproportionately impact children, families, and the organizations supporting them.

Moreover, the reconciliation bill not only cuts funding but also dismantles the very structures that keep children enrolled in vital care programs. Changes in legislation could introduce unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles for parents, such as increased paperwork and work requirements, risking the loss of coverage for eligible children.

Evidence from other states demonstrates that imposing work requirements often leads to more complications and loss of coverage among families who need help the most. Bird urges policymakers to consider the consequences: as families struggle with healthcare access, many will face grave dilemmas, such as choosing between employment and essential therapy sessions for their children.

Beyond the individual hardships, Bird emphasizes the broader fiscal impacts. The cycle of disenrollment and reenrollment is not only destructive for families but also represents a waste of resources for the state. Increased bureaucracy requires more administrative funds, which ultimately strains taxpayers and government budgets.

CRCC was established in response to the lack of resources available for families with disabled children. Its founders envisioned an environment where families wouldn’t have to choose between working and providing necessary care for their loved ones. This guiding belief underlines CRCC's operations today.

Bird calls upon Nebraska’s senators and legislators across the United States to prioritize Medicaid funding rather than diminish it. The families he serves are not asking for favoritism—they want a fair chance to work while ensuring their children receive the care they need. Medicaid plays a critical role in making this possible.

About the Author

Mike Bird has a rich history of service in both business and community sectors. Originally from Nebraska, Mike has spent years advancing in various roles that nurture a passion for non-profit development. His journey has led him to CRCC, where he applies his wealth of experience to drive meaningful change for Nebraska's families and children.