A small group of Americans are in the unique position to save Medicaid from disastrous cuts, and preserve democracy to boot.

I’m referring to our country’s estimated 800 billionaires. Their collective wealth is measured in the trillions of dollars, and they would get hideously richer if the federal budget bill now pending before Congress becomes law.

But what if the richest among us would stand strong, and oppose that bill? Hanging in the balance: More than 70 million Americans who rely on Medicaid for their healthcare, and millions will lose it if the GOP/Trump tax cuts go through.

Forbes has reported that America’s 400 richest people had a combined wealth of $5.4 trillion in 2024. That astounding figure rose by nearly $1 trillion from the year before, the magazine said. Truly the rich get richer and…you know the rest of that infamous phrase.

Forbes also reported those 400 individuals gave away just 5% of their combined wealth last year. Loosening their purse strings could go a long way at a time that the federal government is abandoning the virtuous business of compassion for our fellow citizens.

Perhaps we can count on the likes of Gates and Bloomberg to earmark more of their billions for the common good, tax cuts or no tax cuts. But what about the rest of this bunch?

Are they going to stand up and be counted for those far less fortunate? Are they going to help people retain their health care and food assistance, and get a real shot to stay out of poverty?

Or is this wishful thinking?

Ron Cooper ©2025