“Where Are You, Jen Kiggans?” Advocates Demand Answers in Roundtable Discussion as New Medicaid Rules Threaten Life-Saving Care

Rep. Jen Kiggans’ Medicaid Cuts Put Virginians Fighting Cancer, HIV/AIDS, Sickle Cell, Other Serious Illnesses at Risk

Virginia Beach, VA – Today, Affordable Virginia and the LGBT Life Center hosted a roundtable discussion bringing together advocates and impacted Virginians to discuss how the Trump Administration's proposed Medicaid reporting requirements could cause people with serious medical conditions to lose their health coverage. Virginia has joined a coalition of 25 states and Washington, D.C., suing the Trump administration to block parts of this new Medicaid rule.

“Medicaid and consistent access to health care are lifelines for people living with sickle cell disease and other complex illnesses,” said Toni, a sickle cell advocate from Virginia Beach. “I know firsthand how devastating sickle cell can be and how important it is for patients to receive uninterrupted treatment, medication, and specialized care. Even a brief lapse in coverage can have serious consequences, which is why we must ensure that no barrier stands between patients and the care they need. We must come together to oppose these changes and protect access to care for everyone who depends on Medicaid.”

Last year, Rep. Jen Kiggans voted for the Republican Tax Law, which delivered massive tax breaks to billionaires while making the largest cuts to Medicaid in history, slashing health care for 260,000 Virginians who rely on it. The new reporting rule released by the Trump Administration is likely to worsen the impacts of this law and lead to even sharper loss in health coverage for Virginians. 

The discussion comes during the public comment period on the proposed rules, which closes July 31. Community members were encouraged to leave comments and elevate their voices to protect those who rely on Medicaid to access life-saving care.

“For months, we have called on Rep. Jen Kiggans to reverse course after she voted for the largest cut to Medicaid in American history. Now, the devastating reality of her vote is becoming clear,” said Joe White, Affordable Virginia. “These harsh requirements could strip critical health coverage from people with cancer, multiple sclerosis, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, sickle cell disease, and other serious conditions. People who are simply trying to stay alive. Where are you, Rep. Kiggans? Why haven’t you said anything? We are urging Hampton Roads families to call her office and submit a public comment before the deadline.”