As Medicaid Coverage Shrinks, Hoosiers Share Healthcare Struggles at Mrvan Listening Session
- Demarion Newell
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Over 430,000 Hoosiers lost their Medicaid coverage in the past year, and First District Congressman Frank Mrvan says there are tens of thousands more to come.
At his Healthcare Affordability Listening Session, Mrvan opened the floor to constituents to share their experiences and concerns about recent cuts to the Affordable Care Act and reduced Medicaid coverage.
Over the last year, access to affordable healthcare has been threatened for millions of people worldwide. On July 3, 2025, HR1, also known as the ‘Big Beautiful Bill,’ was passed into Congress. The bill allowed the enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies to expire, increasing health insurance costs for many Americans and putting millions of people's coverage at risk. In Indiana, the Medicaid changes have resulted in more than 430,000 Hoosiers losing their coverage.
During his introduction, Mrvan spoke about the risks associated with these cuts.
“You have to understand, the current administration gutted [Medicaid] by 34%. That's the current condition in which we are living, so over 60,000 people in Indiana are going to lose health care because of those cuts,” he said. “Between 35 and 40,000 people, neighbors, friends, and family members are going to lose that in Northwest Indiana.”
Many Hoosiers expressed their concerns about the current policy changes affecting them and their families. Some became emotional while describing the challenges they have faced navigating healthcare coverage and the rise in medical costs.
Amongst those in attendance was Beryl Fitzpatrick, a proud Gary resident and healthcare worker. Fitzpatrick was diagnosed with cancer in 2016. She has four tumors in her body, has had [], and still actively works every day because of the risk of not receiving the level of insurance that she needs.
She spoke out on the costs of her mandatory treatment, explaining that her co-pay recently reached 931 dollars. Fitzpatrick said it felt like she was being punched and was told that it was a reduced cost; she jokingly laughed.
“I feel like this is a joke, the healthcare we have,” Fitzpatrick said.
Residents raised concerns about access to care, home healthcare services, and the challenges faced in seeking assistance. Terrence Butler, who is both retired and disabled, shared he was glad the listening session was a place to share his concerns, though he wished it were longer.
“However, it’s a start,” Butler said. “Every [story] beginning has to have a beginning before you have a middle and an end.”
Butler expressed gratitude for the available resources and was encouraged to contact Mrvan's team with any questions or concerns. While Butler is managing his own health issues, including a heart issue, an ankle rebuild, and a scar on his arm, he said he wasn’t there for himself. He was there to advocate for Mr. Hendershot, another resident is deaf and mute.
Butler said Hendershot has struggled to access healthcare services and has gone a time since visiting a doctor.
“He has fallen through the cracks for two years,” Butler said. “He needs somebody to come in to clean him up, give him a bath, cut his fingernails, cut his hair, and he doesn’t have that now.”
Butler ensures Hendershot keeps food in his house, so he isn't hungry, and he needs a little help.
Several attendees also voiced support for Medicare for All. Among them were Darren Washington, vice president and councilman of the Gary Common Council, and retired steelworker Terry Steagall.
Washington said he sponsors a resolution to implement Medicare for all within the Democratic Party, hoping to secure the right support and pass it by 2028. He also expressed hope that Mrvan would join the efforts.
In conclusion, for many, this event was an opportunity to feel heard. Some people felt like they were able to advocate for their community, neighbors, friends, and family.
Butler ended his interview with signs of hope, saying: “Keep the faith; that’s what’s going to pull us through at the end.”
CANI remains dedicated to empowering communities through education, advocacy, and access to resources. Being a part of programming such as the Mrvan Healthcare Affordability Session reflects the organization’s commitment to ensuring community voices help shape the policies and partnerships that define a healthier, more equitable Northwest Indiana.
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