A devastating blow to healthcare in Buffalo, New York, has left patients like Rita Buckley fearing for their well-being and future. Buckley's journey, from a traumatic brain injury to finding hope at Buffalo Therapy Services, is now at risk due to the controversial One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law by Donald Trump.
After a severe fall, Buckley's life changed drastically. She struggled with basic tasks, her memory, and even driving. But at Buffalo Therapy Services, she found a beacon of hope. The clinic's therapists worked tirelessly with her, using innovative methods like laser therapy to help her relearn color differentiation. They taught her coping strategies and gave her a sense of purpose again.
However, in a shocking turn of events, Kaleida Health, the parent group of Buffalo Therapy Services, announced the closure of two clinic locations. This decision was partly attributed to the massive healthcare funding cuts in Trump's tax legislation. Buckley, now 74, fears her hard-earned progress will be lost as she waits on a long list for cognitive therapy.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, or HR 1, extends tax cuts while severely impacting the US social safety net. Over the next three years, it will slash over $1 trillion in federal healthcare funding. This includes making it harder for people to access insurance through the Affordable Care Act and reducing Medicaid eligibility. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that around 10 million people will lose their health insurance, leaving many without access to essential care.
The impact of these cuts is far-reaching. Zachary Levinson, a healthcare financial expert, warns that hospitals will face financial strain, especially those that rely on Medicaid patients. Entire communities could be left without healthcare access.
The Act has put over 300 rural hospitals at risk of closure, with urban hospitals also facing threats. Healthcare groups across the US are already feeling the strain, with closures, service cuts, and staff layoffs becoming common.
Despite these dire consequences, House Speaker Mike Johnson defends the Act, arguing it prevents waste and fraud. However, Timothy Kennedy, a Democratic congressman and occupational therapist, sees the facility closures as a broader national crisis. He warns that when healthcare facilities close, people go without care, and the consequences can be fatal.
The US healthcare system was already under immense pressure before Trump's legislation. With one in four US hospitals in financial distress, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act has accelerated the challenges faced by providers like Kaleida Health. They estimate a loss of up to $125 million annually due to the Act.
Patients and providers rallied against the Kaleida closures. Sarah Buckley, Rita's daughter, organized a meeting with elected officials to raise awareness. The response was overwhelming, with 75 people attending.
Gina Passantino, a patient at Buffalo Therapy Services, shared her story. Her therapist had helped ease her overwhelming shoulder and neck pain, and without that therapy, she fears going to sleep, knowing she'll wake up in pain. Passantino's voice broke as she described her therapist as a literal lifesaver.
New York health regulations require healthcare facilities to obtain permission to close, which Kaleida has not received. While the two Buffalo Therapy Services locations are still staffed, they no longer provide clinical care. Patients like Passantino are left with few options, as recommended clinics cannot provide the necessary therapy, and their providers are already at capacity.
A Kaleida spokesperson stated they sent letters to affected patients with information on obtaining care elsewhere and are willing to work with patients individually. However, the union representing Buffalo Therapy Services employees, CWA 1168, considers the facilities closed, with at least 50 positions eliminated.
As the full impact of the Act unfolds, Buckley worries about the safety of patients in hospitals. New York hospital trade groups estimated that the Act would lead to 34,000 job cuts, further straining an already fragile system.
Buckley, a nurse, emphasizes the importance of having a loved one present during hospital stays. She fears for the well-being of patients who cannot look after themselves, especially with the significant cuts to healthcare funding.
Before the Kaleida closures, Buckley kept her traumatic brain injury private. But when she realized her 'angel helpers' were at risk of losing their jobs, she spoke out. She shared her story on Facebook, urging others to help save the life-saving services she relied on.
Months later, Buckley reflects on her decision to speak up. She continues her therapy and homework, hoping to return to some of her nursing work. Despite the challenges, she tries to be grateful for what she has and remains hopeful for positive change, even if it may not be in her lifetime.
