Ernst: ‘We Are All Going to Die’ – Medicaid Town Hall
- PARKERSBURG, Iowa—Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, faced immediate backlash Friday at a town hall meeting after addressing potential changes to Medicaid eligibility.
- Ernst defended the tax and immigration package currently under Senate consideration.
- The exchange intensified when a member of the crowd asserted that people would die without healthcare coverage.
Sen. Joni Ernst’s Medicaid comments at a town hall meeting sparked a firestorm, drawing criticism over healthcare access. The Iowa senator’s blunt response, ”We all are going to die,” to concerns about healthcare coverage triggered immediate backlash, igniting a debate over the GOP’s commitment to Medicaid. Democrats are already criticizing the Republican stance. News Directory 3 reports on the developing story,wiht the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimating that millions could lose healthcare coverage due to proposed changes. The House recently passed a spending and tax cut package, but the Senate version may differ. Republicans are pushing for work requirements and stricter eligibility, while Democrats warn of dire consequences. Discover what’s next as the Senate debates the future of Medicaid.
ernst’s Medicaid Remarks Spark Outcry Over Healthcare Access
Updated May 30, 2025
PARKERSBURG, Iowa—Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, faced immediate backlash Friday at a town hall meeting after addressing potential changes to Medicaid eligibility. Her statement, “We all are going to die,” drew groans from the audience in north-central Iowa.
Ernst defended the tax and immigration package currently under Senate consideration. Throughout the contentious forum at a local high school, she maintained that $700 billion in reduced spending would prevent those in the U.S.illegally and individuals with employer-provided insurance from accessing Medicaid.
The exchange intensified when a member of the crowd asserted that people would die without healthcare coverage. Ernst responded, “People are not… well, we all are going to die. so, for heaven’s sakes, folks.” She added that the focus would remain on protecting the most vulnerable who meet Medicaid eligibility requirements. The senator’s remarks ignited a firestorm over healthcare access and the Republican commitment to Medicaid.
House Republicans recently passed a sweeping spending and tax cut package, championed by former President Donald Trump. The bill now awaits Senate approval,though Ernst indicated that the Senate version would likely differ considerably.
Republicans argue that new work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents, coupled with stricter eligibility verification, will generate savings to sustain the program for vulnerable populations. Democrats, however, warn that these changes could result in millions of Americans losing their healthcare coverage. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that the proposals could reduce the number of insured individuals by 8.6 million over the next decade,impacting healthcare access for many.
Video of Ernst’s comment quickly circulated among Democratic officials and candidates.Ernst is up for reelection in 2026. The controversy highlights the ongoing debate over healthcare policy and the role of government in ensuring access to medical services.
“This morning, Joni Ernst said the quiet part out loud: Republicans do not care about whether their own constituents live or die as long as the richest few get richer,” said Ken Martin, chair of the Democratic National Committee.
What’s next
The Senate will now debate the House-passed spending and tax cut package, with potential amendments and revisions expected. The future of Medicaid and healthcare access remains a key point of contention between Republicans and Democrats.