U.S. Rep. Trahan Cites Haverhill Man’s Example as Risk if Feds Cut Medicaid

Congresswoman Lori Trahan used the photograph of a Haverhill man Tuesday to put a face on a Republican proposal in the House to cut Medicaid.

Trahan shared the story Philip Rosa, son of Haverhill School Committee member Richard J. and Anne Marie Rosa, whose independence and daily care depend on Medicaid-funded programs.

“Philip has a disability that hasn’t stopped him from giving back,” she said, “Whether volunteering with Meals on Wheels, training service dogs or caring for animals at a sanctuary, he does all this because of Medicaid. Medicaid funds the programs that help Philip gain skills, stay engaged and remain independent,” she said during Tuesday’s House Energy and Commerce Committee markup on reconciliation legislation.

Trahan went on to say the bill backed by President Donald Trump will “slash the federal Medicaid funding that Philip’s program depends on.” She listed several local resources.

“In Philip’s case, Medicaid funds Opportunity Works and Community Works, a program that helps folks build job skills, engage in volunteer work and participate meaningfully in society. These initiatives don’t just keep Philip busy, they give him purpose, they help him grow, contribute to and connect with his community,” she said.

The Congresswoman also provided notes from Philip’s mother Anne that adds “organizations like The Arc, which offer vital extracurricular activities such as dances, bowling and other community events, would face significant cuts.”

Trahan said the Congressional Budget Office said would cut $715 billion from Medicaid and eliminate health coverage for at least 13.7 million Americans. The bill would also implement burdensome paperwork requirements that jeopardize Medicaid coverage for 954,000 Massachusetts residents, nearly half of all MassHealth enrollees in the Commonwealth, and impact another 392,790 individuals who receive coverage thanks to the expansion of the Affordable Care Act.