Steve Way Denounces Medicaid Cuts As Eugenics
Activists condemn reforms, urging lawmakers to truly defend disability rights nationwide!
Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance, education, and lifestyle.
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Image: Instagram
Steve Way, the award-winning filmmaker known for his advocacy and his documentary “Disposable Humanity,” took to Instagram this week to condemn Congress’s recent budget reconciliation bill, calling it punitive eugenics and warning of its devastating impact on disabled Americans.
Background On The Bill
Congress this month ratified a sweeping budget reconciliation measure that would trim over one trillion dollars from Medicaid over the next decade. Under the proposal, at least 8 million Americans with disabilities risk losing critical healthcare coverage unless they meet strict work requirements—a provision opponents say effectively forces the most vulnerable to prove their productivity.
A Filmmaker’s Response
In an Instagram post on June 6, Way (@thesteveway) shared a stark graphic and caption: “Let’s call Trump’s big ugly bill what it is: eugenics. Congress has ratified a bill that will trigger over one trillion in cuts to Medicaid…effectively throwing at least 8 million disabled Americans off of healthcare while retaining it for themselves.” He urged followers to pressure lawmakers to rethink the approach.
Instagram embed: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ9YeFaRqf6/
Parallels With History
Way did not mince words when drawing historical comparisons. “During the Third Reich disabled and poor people were called ‘useless eaters’ living in mansions (lock down institutions) while ‘productive people’ lived in ‘hovels,’” he wrote. His reference to Nazi-era eugenics underscored his alarm at what he sees as a moral failing in today’s debate over social safety nets.
From Screen To Senate
Beyond critique, Way called on Congress to screen his own Sundance-selected documentary, Disposable Humanity, which explores punitive welfare and healthcare systems. “Demand that Congress screen ‘Disposable Humanity’ to learn what punitive eugenic policies like the one they are about to vote on lead to, rather than fail the lessons of history,” he implored.
From Awards To Advocacy
Way has steadily built a reputation as both a storyteller and an activist. In 2024, he co-wrote the Netflix-backed short film We’ll Meet Again with Danny Kurtzman, winning Best Writer at the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge. And at this year’s Slamdance Film Festival, Disposable Humanity captured both the Audience Award and a Grand Jury Honorable Mention, proving that Way’s work resonates with a wide audience.
Instagram embed: https://www.instagram.com/p/DGlv9Dhz6jK/
The Stakes For Disabled Americans
Medicaid covers vital services—from home care to specialized therapies—that many disabled individuals depend on for daily living. Under the proposed work requirements, beneficiaries would need to document 80 hours of employment or job training each month. Experts warn that administrative burdens and limited job opportunities for those with certain disabilities could leave thousands without coverage.
Advocacy groups including the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities have called the cuts “deeply harmful,” projecting that states would be incentivized to tighten eligibility. With gala season in full swing, Way’s confrontation of lawmakers offers a reminder that policy debates directly affect real lives.
Public Reaction And Next Steps
Way’s post generated thousands of comments and shares within hours. Fellow filmmakers and disability advocates praised his willingness to translate on-screen advocacy into tangible political action. Several followers tagged their representatives, echoing his demand that Congress reconsider or amend the work requirements.
While the Senate has yet to debate the final package, Way’s message adds momentum to a growing coalition urging modifications. For now, the filmmaker’s voice stands as both a warning and a rallying cry: history warns against letting vulnerable communities pay the price for budgetary targets.
Readers can visit Steve Way’s Instagram to share his post and find resources to contact their members of Congress, ensuring that disability rights remain at the center of this critical debate.
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