Protesters rally against proposed Medi-Cal cuts in Orange County

Protesters gathered outside U.S. Rep. Young Kim's office in Anaheim Hills on Tuesday to express their anger over potential cuts to Medi-Cal, California's version of Medicaid. The protest included hundreds of healthcare workers and residents concerned about the impact of these cuts on their families. Cynthia Williams, a local resident at the protest, called for cuts that would affect billionaires instead. She emphasized that Medi-Cal cuts would directly hurt people who rely on the program for essential care. About 200 protesters rallied, criticizing both President Trump and Elon Musk, who leads the Department of Government Efficiency. Although Trump has stated that he does not support cutting Medicaid, the Congressional Budget Office suggests that his budget plans may make it impossible to avoid such cuts. Demonstrators performed a "die-in" outside Kim's office, wearing medical gowns and holding signs. Callie Strock, a representative for Kim, stated that the congresswoman values healthcare advocates' work. Kim has pledged to protect vital Medicaid services, saying she will not support any budget that cuts these programs. In a recent statement, she acknowledged ongoing discussions about fiscal spending without targeting specific programs. Josephine Rios, a nursing assistant and grandmother of a child with cerebral palsy, shared her personal struggle. She fears possible Medi-Cal cuts will make her grandson's costly medications and therapies unaffordable. Rios feels betrayed by Kim, whom she helped elect, and threatened to oppose her if cuts happen. Williams, another protester, stressed that Medi-Cal is crucial for her family, which includes a sister with PTSD and a blind daughter. According to the California Budget and Policy Center, about 157,000 people in Kim's district rely on Medi-Cal, representing 21% of the population. Ian Kamus, from the labor advocacy group OC Action, expressed understanding for the need to eliminate waste but criticized the current approach to cuts. He believes the methods being used do not adequately consider their impact on real people.