The state of North Carolina has not yet passed a budget. Even worse, there’s no budget expected to pass until 2026 and everything feels so out of reach for state citizens. Medicaid rate cuts are expected to continue hitting hospitals and offices across the state. With North Carolina Republicans outright refusing to fully fund Medicaid during this challenging time, people are simply going without. One North Carolina disability rights activist has something to say on the matter, as he is somebody deeply impacted by this.
A TikTok video featuring disability rights activist, Sloan Meek, was shared by @ncsenatedemshq. He decided to speak up during this difficult time where people are going without healthcare needs. In the video, Sloan speaks in front of a large group of people at a meeting, where he said he feels like what’s happening in North Carolina will “change his whole life” and it leaves him fearful.
Sloan says that he needs “consistent treatment and care to stay healthy.” He goes on to say that he doesn’t want to “get sick” or “lose his community.” But this is the reality of what people are facing when Medicaid cuts are looming and there’s no passing of a state budget in sight. In a heartbreaking and very real moment, Sloan states, “I do not want to die because of a political issue. These are the fears I share with every disabled person using Medicaid in North Carolina right now.”
It’s sad that individuals feel like they need to fight for healthcare, which should be provided as a basic necessity to every person in America. Sloan is incredibly brave as he asks all legislators to consider what he’s said. People like him in very similar situations deserve to have things. He begs of them, “Please sign a budget that fully funds Medicaid.” It would be heartless and devastating for them to do anything but that.
One commenter replied with what we’re all thinking: “This gentleman should not have to beg for healthcare.” Another person pointed out a sad truth, “Unfortunately the people he needs to get through to simply do not care. They view him as subhuman and until this administration is gone, nothing will change for the better.” Through cuts in services, regulations, and necessary benefits that keep people with disabilities alive, the Trump Administration has showed relentlessly that it does not care. Hopefully, the people of North Carolina will soon have answers as they all hold their breath over this vital matter.
