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WASHINGTON, D.C. — During an Energy and Commerce Committee Markup on the Republican budget today, which includes massive cuts to health care for millions of Americans, Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) shared the story of a local Albany family in their own words about what Medicaid means to them.

Tonko spoke directly with parents Noëlle and Nathan about the impact of Medicaid in providing support for their 12-year-old daughter, Isla. Their conversation can be viewed HERE.

Tonko’s full remarks can be viewed HERE or read below as prepared for delivery:

I’m here today fighting for people like Noëlle and Nathan, constituents of mine who are raising their family in Albany, New York. Their 12-year-old daughter Isla has a rare genetic disorder and has received healthcare through Medicaid for almost eight years because of her disabilities.  

Through Medicaid, Isla is in a program where she has self-directed care, which means she has a budget for a caregiver, classes, respite care and more to best support Isla and her family.  

Noëlle and Nathan shared with me that one of their first reactions when they heard about Republicans plans was fear of how it would impact Isla’s care.  

In Noëlle’s words, “Medicaid changed our life. I can’t imagine what our life would be like without Medicaid. It is not only the direct impact it has on Isla’s quality of life but our entire family’s quality of life. I know our story is just one of millions of families who would be devastated by the loss of Medicaid.  

Nathan added, “on the human level it has been life changing for us. On an economic level it allows us to work.  

To lose it would be awful not only for our family but also for all the people we serve through our work.”  

They explained to me that when you have a child with complex medical needs and disabilities you are constantly navigating systems to advocate for your child in educations settings, in healthcare settings and in dealing with insurance.  

Noëlle described how as a parent of a child with disabilities you are often pushing through all the red tape for your child’s needs to be respected.  

Let’s not add more red tape for this family.

Noëlle also described how Medicaid provides Nathan and her with a breath of relief of thinking about these supports for Isla as she gets older and enters adulthood.  

Noëlle’s shared a friend’s sentiment that Isla doesn’t need to change for the world, the world needs to change for Isla. I could not agree more.  

Noëlle asked Members of this Committee to rethink these devastating cuts and instead provide respect and dignity for families and individuals living with disabilities.  

On behalf of Isla and her family and families like hers across my district, New York State and the nation, I demand that we reverse course on all the cuts to Medicaid and additional red tape that would hurt so many people.  

With that, let’s say ‘NO’ to lining the pockets of billionaires and ‘YES’ to providing access to affordable healthcare via Medicaid for so many.