Ernst Medicaid Cuts: Death Joke Sparks Outrage
Sen. Joni Ernst Defends Medicaid Comments in Cemetery Video
Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst is facing criticism after doubling down on her remarks concerning potential Medicaid cuts. In an Instagram video posted Saturday, Ernst appeared to mock concerns about the impact of thes cuts, filming the video in a cemetery.
The controversy began Friday at a town hall meeting when an audience member voiced concerns that people would die due to proposed Medicaid cuts tied to President Donald Trump’s tax bill. Ernst responded, “Well, we all are going to die,” sparking immediate backlash.
The proposed legislation could impact Medicaid, the government health insurance program, possibly affecting millions of low-income and disabled Americans.
In the video, ernst offered what some view as a sarcastic apology. She stated she was answering a question when a “distraught” woman yelled, “People are going to die.” Ernst said she assumed everyone understood that “we are all going to perish from this Earth.”
Ernst concluded by saying she was glad she didn’t have to bring up the Tooth Fairy and encouraged viewers to “embrace my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ” for eternal life.
Democratic National Committee chair Ken Martin said Ernst’s “cruel words” were “immoral and un-Christian,” adding that Republicans are “hellbent on putting their own constituents at risk.”
Ernst previously defended the proposed medicaid cuts by falsely claiming they would prevent undocumented immigrants from receiving benefits.Undocumented immigrants are already ineligible for Medicaid.
Critics argue that the proposed work requirements and income caps associated with Medicaid will disproportionately affect vulnerable populations,leading to many eligible beneficiaries losing coverage and impacting access to healthcare.
What’s next
The debate surrounding Medicaid funding and access is expected to continue as lawmakers consider the proposed tax bill and its potential impact on healthcare for millions of Americans.