Millions rely on Medicaid—seniors, children, veterans, and people with disabilities. Cuts would mean lost coverage, hospital closures, and higher costs for everyone.
📊 How will this impact your district? Get the full Medicaid impact report.
Your constituents are watching. Protect Medicaid.
How This Impacts Arizona’s 1st Congressional District
Medicaid provides health coverage to over 2.5 million Arizonans, serving as a critical safety-net program. In AZ-01, with a population of 789,173, approximately 139,000 residents are enrolled in Medicaid. This includes:
- Seniors who require long-term care services.
- Children from low-income families needing essential health services.
- Veterans who may not qualify for VA benefits.
- Individuals with disabilities relying on in-home caregivers and health services.
Without Medicaid, these individuals would lose access to necessary healthcare, increasing reliance on already overburdened emergency rooms and community clinics (Data USA).
Medicaid’s Role for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)
Medicaid is crucial for individuals with IDD in AZ-01, enabling them to secure employment, receive job coaching, and participate actively in their communities. Without Medicaid, many would face isolation, unable to work, volunteer, or contribute to society.
The Domino Effect of Medicaid Cuts
Workforce Crisis: Medicaid funds direct support professionals (DSPs) who are already in short supply. Cuts could further reduce the number of caregivers, leaving thousands of individuals on waitlists for services.
Economic Fallout: Individuals with IDD contribute to the local economy through employment and taxes. Without Medicaid support, job losses among this group could lead to reduced tax revenue and economic activity.
Healthcare Costs Skyrocket: Without Medicaid services, individuals with disabilities may increasingly rely on emergency rooms for care, overwhelming hospitals and escalating healthcare costs for all residents.
Real Impact: Medicaid in Action
Meet Nico, a young adult with IDD who dreamed of working at LegoLand California. With Medicaid-funded job coaching and transportation support, he entered a structured internship and is now on track for full-time employment. Without Medicaid, he would be home alone, unable to contribute to his community or achieve independence.
Addressing the Myth: Waste, Fraud, and Abuse
Some lawmakers argue that Medicaid cuts will target “waste, fraud, and abuse” without harming beneficiaries. However, existing oversight mechanisms are robust, and the majority of improper payments stem from administrative errors, not intentional fraud.
Large-scale fraud is often perpetrated by providers, not beneficiaries. For instance, in 2024, the Justice Department charged nearly 200 individuals in a $2.7 billion healthcare fraud scheme, highlighting that systemic issues lie within provider practices, not recipient misuse.
What Leaders Are Saying
“Medicaid is not just about healthcare. Medicaid is an opportunity. It is the difference between someone with IDD having a career and someone being isolated at home. Without it, individuals will be trapped, unable to contribute, and families will be forced to quit jobs to care for them. This is not just unfortunate—it’s catastrophic.”
– Brian Zotti, Chief Executive Officer, Options For All“Medicaid is the lifeline for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, providing essential services that enable them to live and thrive in their communities. Proposed cuts threaten their independence and well-being.”
– The Arc of the United StatesA Bipartisan Issue
Both red and blue states benefit from Medicaid’s support of hospitals, schools, and job creation. Republican-led states like Arizona have defended Medicaid expansion due to its positive economic effects.
For example, Republican Representative Juan Ciscomani of Arizona expressed concerns about proposed Medicaid spending cuts, highlighting potential harms to constituents.
Medicaid and Your Political Future
The eyes of Arizona’s 1st District are on you. Voters in AZ-01 rely on Medicaid, and they are paying attention. Supporting Medicaid funding isn’t just good policy—it’s smart politics.
Take Action: Protect Medicaid in AZ-01
✅ Vote against Medicaid → Your constituents will know.
✅ Protect Medicaid → You will be seen as a leader for families, seniors, and small businesses.
How You Can Lead on Medicaid
The eyes of Arizona’s 1st District are on you. Voters in AZ-01 rely on Medicaid, and they are paying attention. Supporting Medicaid funding isn’t just good policy—it’s smart politics.
Protect Medicaid → You will be seen as a leader for families, seniors, and small businesses.
Vote against Medicaid → Your constituents will know.
We Will Hold You Accountable
We are watching. We are organizing. If you vote against Medicaid, we will make sure your constituents know. Medicaid is a lifeline. Those who try to take it away will not be forgotten on Election Day.
How You Can Lead on Medicaid
✅ Contact Representative David Schweikert – Urge him to vote to maintain Medicaid funding.
✅ Meet with local healthcare and disability leaders in AZ-01 to hear firsthand how cuts will impact them.
✅ Oppose policies that shift Medicaid costs to Arizona taxpayers and risk cutting life-saving services.