Jul
14
2025
Medicaid Symbolism Twists Gadsden Flag in Rural Healthcare Debate
LIVE FREE AND DIE by Ratt, politicalcartoons.com
The cartoon adapts the Gadsden flag by replacing the snake's typical staff with a medical caduceus split into Medi and Caid wings. A red cap tops the snake, which coils around a blue-and-yellow pole on green grass. Large text at the bottom declares Don't Cover Me. The image responds to ongoing discussions about Medicaid reductions and their effects on rural hospitals and healthcare access. The visual ties the liberty symbol to coverage concerns under proposed legislation.

About Ratt
"Ratt" is a political cartoonist for the news website Crooks And Liars (CrooksAndLiars.com). His drawings have also appeared in The Washington Post, Politico, The Nation, and various other newspapers and periodicals. Formerly, he was a political cartoonist for The Rule of Law This Week, a project launched by the American Constitution Society, and for the Cape Cod Times of Hyannis, Massachusetts, and his work was distributed by Syndicated Writers & Artists and the College Press Service. His awards include Harvard University's Al Capp Prize for Satire, the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists' Locher Award, and a New York Press Association Commendation.
Ratt's Newsletter
Get 's cartoons and comments in your inbox for free!