Writing something political on my blog could be a recipe for disaster. The internet’s full of people itching to pounce on a post they don’t like—especially under the cloak of anonymity. But honestly? I’m still figuring out what Search Engine Optimization means, and barely anyone reads my blog. So I can say what I want. (Hi, Mom!)
Now for the bad news: Donald Trump’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” would be devastating for people like me who rely on Medicaid to stay alive.
And I don’t mean that in a dramatic, clickbait-y way. I mean literally staying alive. I live with type 1 diabetes, just like millions of Americans. I rely on insulin, a CGM, and other supplies—all currently covered by Medicaid. Without that coverage, I’m not just “inconvenienced.” I’m blood-sugar-crashing-while-holding-a-CVS-receipt-and-crying-in-my-car screwed.
And yeah, I use sarcasm and humor to talk about this—because if I didn’t, I might just fall apart.
What Is Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”?
Trump is positioning this bill as a fix for everything the Affordable Care Act “ruined.” If you remember 2017, you’ll recall that his team’s big idea was to turn Medicaid into block grants—basically handing states a fixed amount of money and saying, “Good luck.”
This time, they’re using gentler language, but the core idea is still there. Block grants would give states more power to cut benefits, restrict eligibility, and reduce spending.
That means your healthcare could end up like a discount bin at a gas station: “Oh, you need insulin? Sorry, we only cover ibuprofen and hope now.”
According to Trump’s team, this bill is “amazing” and will eliminate “waste, fraud, and abuse.” But let’s be real: insulin isn’t something people abuse. You can’t take it recreationally, and you certainly can’t swap it for cough syrup. If you don’t need insulin and you take it, you could die. If you do need it and don’t take it, you will die.
Why It Matters—Especially If You Have Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a full-time job—one with terrible hours, no pay, and life-or-death stakes. Managing it means access to insulin (which can cost more than a used car), CGMs, pump supplies, test strips, glucagon, regular doctor visits, and often a therapist to help process the emotional trauma of navigating insurance.
If Medicaid gets slashed and turned into a choose-your-own-adventure nightmare, millions of people—especially low-income adults, children, and those in states already limiting coverage—could lose access to these tools.
And we’ve seen this before. It didn’t end well then. It won’t now.
I’m a Diabetes Educator, On Medicaid
Plot twist: I’ve worked in diabetes care for over 20 years. I’m a certified diabetes educator, I’ve supported people navigating access programs, and I’ve worked in clinics and industry. I know how the system works.
And right now, as I search for my next role, I’m on Medicaid myself.
It’s humbling… It’s frustrating… It’s terrifying…
Not because the care is bad—some of the most compassionate providers I’ve seen work in Medicaid systems—but because I know how fragile it is. One policy change could leave me paying hundreds out of pocket for the tools that keep me healthy enough to care for my son (who also has type 1), search for a job, and keep advocating for others.
Yes, This Is Political—But It’s Also Deeply Personal. I know political posts can make people uncomfortable. They say, “Let’s not get into all that.” But I’m already in it—up to my Dexcom sensor in it.
This isn’t about partisanship. It’s about survival. It’s about whether people with chronic conditions are seen as people, or just numbers on a budget spreadsheet.
If that makes me “political,” I’ll wear that label like a CGM sticker on my arm. Because if we don’t speak up, who will?
What You Can Do (Besides Panicking With Me)
- Stay informed. There are plenty of articles and policy explainers out there on Medicaid changes. Read them. Share them.
- Vote. Not just for president. Vote in every election—especially local and state races, where Medicaid policy is shaped.
- Support advocacy groups. The ADA, JDRF, Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition, and Blue Circle Health are doing the work to protect access and equity.
- Tell your story. If you or someone you love relies on Medicaid, speak up. Personal stories change minds—and policies.
Or, you know, forward this post to your politically indifferent cousin and tell them it’s about “budget stuff.”
Managing diabetes shouldn’t depend on your zip code or your health plan.
Final Thought: Insulin Shouldn’t Be a Luxury
No one with diabetes should have to choose between rent and survival. If Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” makes that choice even harder, then we can’t afford to sit quietly.
So I’ll be here—blogging from my glucose-scented soapbox, insurance card in one hand, juice box in the other—fighting for a world where managing diabetes doesn’t depend on your zip code or your health plan.
And if this post makes someone mad enough to finally read my blog? Honestly, that’s a win.
Support these advocacy/education-related diabetes organizations:
Image Credits: Cartoons were designed at Google Gemini