Protesters gather in Brooklyn over federal Medicaid cuts

BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11) -- On Monday, protesters rallied outside the Brooklyn office of Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, expressing deep concern over drastic federal cuts to Medicaid and Medicare that could affect millions of New Yorkers.

The demonstration came just days after President Donald Trump signed what he has called the “Big Beautiful Bill,” a sweeping federal budget plan that slashes $1 trillion from Medicaid and $500 billion from Medicare over the next decade.

Health care workers, advocacy groups, and patients, many holding signs that read “Protect Medicaid, No Cuts,” gathered to speak out against the legislation. Among them was Jean Ryan, a local patient who depends on Medicaid support for her ongoing medical needs.

“I have health problems. I have to see a lot of doctors, take many medications. What if they cut the subsidies? That’s going to affect a lot of people, including me,” Ryan said.

Seven Republican representatives from New York, including Rep. Malliotakis, voted in favor of the bill. Opponents argue the cuts will hurt not just low-income residents but working families and individuals with disabilities.

“By voting for these cuts, she is hurting her own constituents and everyone else in NYC and across New York State,” said Anthony Feliciano, Vice President of Advocacy at Housing Works. “This affects middle-income families with disabled children, not just the poor. It touches almost every New Yorker directly or indirectly.”

In a written statement, Rep. Malliotakis defended her vote:

“Congress simply took action to ensure ineligible fraudsters and illegal immigrants no longer benefit. By rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse, we are actually preserving the Medicaid program for our most vulnerable citizens.”

But critics argue that the impact will be far-reaching. Feliciano noted that an estimated 17 million Americans, including roughly 1.3 million New Yorkers, could lose health insurance coverage under the bill.

Healthcare professionals also voiced concern about how the cuts could destabilize an already strained healthcare system.

“Hospitals are at risk. Nursing homes, especially smaller ones, could be forced to close,” warned Michael Guevarez, a healthcare worker.

“Wheelchairs, repairs, home care, all of that could be affected,” added Ryan. “I live alone. I don’t have anyone to take care of me.”

With healthcare costs expected to rise, advocates warn that the bill’s consequences will be severe for millions of Americans, especially the elderly, disabled, and those living paycheck to paycheck.

“It is sad, and we should not take it sitting down,” Ryan said. “Well, I’ll take it sitting down in my wheelchair, but I’m not going to take it sitting down with the rest of me.”

Rep. Malliotakis reiterated in her statement that the bill provides “much-needed tax relief” for working families and senior citizens. But for many who gathered in Brooklyn, the focus remains on preserving access to essential care.