Dear Governor, Richland County Senators and Representatives,
I am writing to echo what many are saying and on behalf of the Columbia SC Branch NAACP and the thousands of Columbians who rely on Medicaid and other essential health programs for their well-being. Proposed cuts to Medicaid and other health-related aid would have devastating consequences for our communities, in Richland County, Columbia and across South Carolina. These cuts would not only strip healthcare access from our most vulnerable citizens but also place a severe strain on our local economy, hospitals, and social services.
As you may know, as of 2024, more than 1.1 million South Carolinians—including thousands in Richland County, Columbia—depend on Medicaid for healthcare. Any reduction in funding would have serious repercussions, including:
-
An Increased Uninsured Population – Cutting Medicaid would force thousands of local residents to go without healthcare, leading to worsening health conditions and increased use of emergency rooms for non-emergency issues.
-
Strain on Hospitals and Clinics – Prisma Health, MUSC Health, and local community health centers rely on Medicaid funding to provide care. Reductions would lead to financial instability, potential service cutbacks, and longer wait times.
-
Worsening Health Disparities – Columbia’s Black and low-income populations already face significant healthcare inequities. Medicaid cuts would widen these gaps, increasing rates of chronic diseases, maternal mortality, and preventable deaths.
-
Job Losses in Healthcare – Healthcare is a major employer in Richland County. Medicaid cuts would lead to layoffs, impacting our economy and reducing available care.
-
Increased Financial Burden on Local Government and Taxpayers – As more uninsured patients seek emergency care, local hospitals will be forced to absorb higher costs, ultimately shifting the financial burden to taxpayers and local governments.
-
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Crisis – Many rely on Medicaid for mental health services and addiction treatment. Funding cuts would further exacerbate the mental health and opioid crisis affecting our community.
South Carolina already struggles with adequate healthcare access, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Cutting Medicaid and other health support programs would not only harm those who need care the most but would also weaken the overall stability of our healthcare system.
Call to Action
I strongly urge you to oppose any legislative efforts that would weaken Medicaid or reduce health funding for all South Carolinians. Instead, I encourage you to support policies that expand access, improve health outcomes, and strengthen the well-being of all our residents.
Furthermore, I urge our community members to raise their voices and take action:
-
Call and email your legislators to express your opposition to Medicaid cuts.
-
Attend local town halls and legislative meetings to demand accountability from elected officials.
-
Partner with organizations like the NAACP Columbia SC Branch to advocate for healthcare equity and ensure that all residents have access to the care they deserve.
-
Share your personal stories about how Medicaid has impacted your life or your community to highlight the real-world consequences of these cuts.
-
Continue to say NO to Medicaid cuts. “IT IS OURS TO DO.” Our community is watching, and we expect our elected officials to stand on the side of justice, equity, and the health of the people they serve. We must act now to protect Medicaid and ensure that no South Carolinian is left without the care they need.
I appreciate your time and attention to this critical matter and look forward to your response.
“ON FIRE FOR JUSTICE, ON FIRE FOR PEACE”
Oveta Glover
Columbia Branch NAACP
