OPINION: Until it impacts you

It’s easy to tune out politics. To shake your head at headlines, scroll past the noise, and think, “That doesn’t really affect me.” 

Until one day, it does.

That’s what’s about to happen for more than a quarter of a million Idahoans who rely on Medicaid. Starting Sept. 1, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare will reduce provider reimbursement rates by 4% across nearly every service: hospitals, nursing homes, home health, pharmacies, and more.

Health care providers already struggle to make Medicaid work. The pay is low, the paperwork is high, and many doctors and specialists limit how many Medicaid patients they see. With this new cut, more providers will have to walk away. That means fewer options, longer waits, and more barriers to care — especially in rural Idaho, where choices are already scarce.

I know firsthand how vital these services are, because my own family relied on them while we worked to build a better future. As we pursued education and job skills that opened the doors to the opportunities we have today, we still faced the daily struggle of making ends meet. Like so many North Idaho families, both parents worked full-time and still worried about paying bills, affording childcare, and putting food on the table. 

At times we depended on food stamps to make sure our children had proper nutrition. I was on Medicaid for two of my pregnancies, and it protected two of my children for several years. These essential services were not luxuries; they were lifelines. They gave us the stability we needed to survive, to care for our children, and to keep moving forward. And because of that support, we are now in a fortunate position where we can stand on our own, provide for our family, and give back to our community.

If you’ve never depended on Medicaid, it’s tempting to shrug and move on. However, as someone who feels empathy for families working tirelessly to achieve the American Dream, I would urge us all to not look away when others need help. 

What’s more, the ripple effects of these changes touch us all — through crowded emergency rooms, increased community costs, or the simple erosion of compassion that makes our North Idaho community stand out.

We need to speak up for people who are striving for a better life, and need help to achieve it. This has been a long-standing central pillar of the Democratic platform. 

When we remain silent about the suffering of others, we weaken the protections for everyone, including ourselves.

Speaking up for others isn’t just an act of kindness; it is a moral responsibility. When someone is marginalized, discriminated against, or denied basic rights, our voices can help amplify theirs, protect them from harm, and demand accountability from those in power. Advocacy builds stronger, more compassionate communities where people know they are not alone.

Equally important, silence can be mistaken for acceptance. By speaking out, we send a clear message that harm and injustice are not tolerated. 

If you have never before called your legislator, now is the time. If you haven’t sent an email, now is the time. If you haven’t peacefully stood for others’ rights at a protest, now is the time. If you're not a registered Democrat but ready to join a party for the people by the people, we need you. If you're ready to make a difference and represent your precinct, district, or county, we need you. If you want to stay behind the scenes and not publicly put yourself out there, we have volunteer opportunities where you can make a real impact. If you've been frustrated with what we've seen locally and nationally, we need you.

If you have been frustrated with the Democratic Party in the past, we are listening. Your input is vital. We need you.

Don’t wait until a policy directly impacts you to speak up and get involved.

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Sarah Martin is chairman of the Kootenai County Democrats.