Press Releases

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) visited Redmond Care and Rehabilitation Center and Redmond Heights Senior Living as part of a National Day of Action to raise awareness about harmful cuts to Medicare and Medicaid. DelBene met with facility staff to discuss how the recently passed Big Ugly Bill is already affecting care and creating uncertainty for providers and patients alike.

The Big Ugly Bill slashed over $1 trillion from the U.S. health care system, putting more than 15 million Americans at risk of losing health coverage and triggering deep cuts to both Medicare and Medicaid. In Washington state, hospitals could lose an estimated $662 million annually. The bill also weakened Medicare through a half-trillion-dollar sequester and stricter eligibility rules for immigrants, while reducing Medicaid payments to providers and putting more than 500 nursing homes nationwide at risk of closure.

“Medicare and Medicaid are lifelines for Washington seniors, working families, and people with disabilities. Congress should be strengthening, not dismantling, these vital programs,” said DelBene. “I heard directly from caregivers and residents today who are worried about what these cuts mean for their future. I’ll keep fighting to protect access to affordable, high-quality care for every Washingtonian.”

“By slashing Medicaid, we aren’t just cutting a budget line- we are cutting off lifelines for seniors who depend on skilled nursing care to survive with dignity. These are not just numbers on a page- they are people, families, and futures,” said Sravanthi Dasari, DPT, Administrator for Redmond Care and Rehabilitation Center and Redmond Heights Senior Living.

“If we can't provide adequate therapy, that stroke patient may never walk again. If we can't maintain proper staffing ratios, that confused resident might fall and break a hip,” said Victor, MDS Coordinator for Redmond Care and Rehabilitation Center and Redmond Heights Senior Living. “These aren't just statistics in a budget - they're real people whose highest level of functioning and quality of life depend on the assessments I complete and the funding those assessments generate. Medicare and Medicaid funding doesn't just pay bills; it preserves hope and human dignity.”

“The Big Beautiful Bill will be devastating for everyone, especially for nursing home residents which will end up having ramifications for every US citizen, because the quality of health care will be diminished and people will end up leaving the profession,” said Joe Pergamo DPT/DOR for Redmond Care and Rehabilitation Center and Redmond Heights Senior Living. “Thank you for being a voice for the unheard population. The time to act is now so we could prevent what will be devastating to people who rely on health care services. It would end up having ripple effects and long-lasting decline. People will end up going without much needed healthcare and as a result get weaker and sicker.”