As lawmakers on Capitol Hill continue debating a sweeping tax and spending package backed by former President Donald Trump, families from across the country are voicing concern over proposed Medicaid changes, including one Tampa Bay teen who relies on the program. Fifteen-year-old Lakota Lockhart, who was born with a rare genetic condition that prevents him from breathing on his own, traveled to Washington D.C. Wednesday with his mother and representatives from St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital and BayCare Health System to share his story with Florida lawmakers. The family’s visit to D.C. was part of Family Advocacy Day, organized by the Children’s Hospital Association, where patients and families meet directly with their congressional representatives. “He requires multiple specialists and therapists throughout his life. It’s a lifelong condition,” said his mother, Krystal Lockhart. “Kids with complex health issues, their needs aren't met by commercial health insurance, so it's very important that they stay on Medicaid. And with what's going on in our government right now for them wanting to cut Medicaid, it's actually going to be reducing the services that he's able to get and what he needs.” Jason Rodriguez, director of government relations for BayCare Health System, said it’s critical for members of Congress to hear firsthand how proposed cuts would impact patients. “Florida is a low Medicaid reimbursement state. We only get 54 cents on the dollar,” Rodriguez said. “Supplemental funding helps make up that shortfall, but if that’s cut, it could impact programs like Child Life, postpartum services, and the Healing Back Program.” The House-passed bill now before the Senate would tighten Medicaid eligibility by requiring childless adults to prove they’re working, looking for work, or attending school. According to a nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office analysis, those and other changes could lead to nearly 8 million people losing coverage. House Democrats, including Rep. Kathy Castor of Tampa, say the proposal pays for tax breaks for the wealthy at the expense of essential health programs. “It’s a real gift to billionaires,” Castor told 10 Tampa Bay in May. “And they intend to pay for it in part by cutting health services through Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act.” President Trump and House Republicans insist health care for seniors and people with disabilities won’t be affected. “We’re not touching [Medicaid] other than waste, fraud, and abuse,” President Trump said on Air Force One recently. But for the Lockharts, the stakes are personal. “It’s important to put a face to the numbers,” Krystal Lockhart said. “Lakota is here today because of Medicaid. These decisions aren’t just about money. They’re about our children.”