1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern about the proposed changes to the AHCCCS program and Mercy Care, which will severely impact myself and my family. I am 36 years old, live with my aging parents, and rely on Mercy Care for essential medical coverage. My father, 74, struggles with mobility, and my mother, 70, experiences severe hand pain. I am their primary caregiver, handling everything from heavy lifting to household repairs. Currently, I rely on a number of critical medications for my health. I take Symbicort and Spiriva for severe asthma, Effexor for depression, and Mirtazapine for anxiety. Without these medications, I risk severe panic attacks, breathing difficulties, and a potential collapse in my mental health. The proposed cuts to Mercy Care could force me into a situation where I either lose my coverage or am pushed into employment, disqualifying me from the care I need to survive. This is especially painful given that I come from a long line of veterans who have served this country with honor. Both of my grandfathers fought in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. My family has sacrificed, and it feels like a betrayal to watch this country's leaders push for changes that will harm families like mine—families who have already given so much. I am asking for immediate action to protect those of us who depend on Mercy Care, especially when it comes to essential medications for chronic conditions like asthma and mental health disorders. If these changes are implemented, I fear I will be forced to visit the hospital every time I have trouble breathing—an unsustainable solution. What are you doing to prevent this from happening? This change will harm the most vulnerable in our society, and it is a direct attack on the well-being of hardworking individuals who contribute to this country. I urge you to take action now to prevent this disastrous policy from being enacted.