Not So Beautiful

This letter to the editor, by Jan Eldridge, appeared in the Hudson Star Observer on June 19, 2025.

Tom Tiffany voted for major cuts to Medicaid  in the “One Big Beautiful Bill.”  His vote directly threatens access to affordable, quality healthcare for seniors in Wisconsin. If this bill is enacted, the wealthiest among us (including Senator Ron Johnson), will get a huge tax break; but, your grandmother could end up on the street or in your basement. 

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services estimates that the state could lose between $6.4 billion $16.8 billion in federal Medicaid funding for nursing homes over the next decade. Such a significant reduction would force the state to cut services or increase state taxes to compensate.  These cuts will drive many nursing homes out of business, making it even harder to find care for seniors as they age.

Today, Medicaid funds approximately 60% of nursing home care in Wisconsin Ten nursing homes in St. Croix County depend on Medicaid funding.  The proposed cuts could jeopardize these facilities, leading to potential closures or reduced services. This would directly affect seniors who rely on nursing homes for daily care and support.  Programs like Wisconsin’s Family Care and IRIS, which allow seniors to receive care in their homes or communities, could face funding reductions.  With the proposed work requirements and stricter eligibility checks, some seniors might inadvertently lose their Medicaid coverage due to administrative hurdles, even if they still qualify. 

Ron Johnson’s tax break will begin immediately if this bill passes.  Seniors will experience an erosion of support over the next decade.