Abdul El-Sayed, a left-wing Michigan Senate hopeful, has criticized doctors who don't accept Medicaid, arguing that they discriminate against black communities and perpetuate structural racism. However, his wife, Sarah Jukaku, a psychiatrist, operates a private practice that does not accept Medicaid, Medicare, or any other insurance.
In a June campaign video, El-Sayed lamented what he called America's multi-class healthcare system, saying that too often in urban communities, people with Medicaid may not be able to get care because providers do not accept their insurance. He made a similar remark during a July meet and greet in Detroit, saying that because Medicaid reimburses at half the rate, many providers are not required to provide care, and if they do, it is in a way that is consistent with the fact that the patient is a half-paying customer.
El-Sayed's Criticism and His Wife's Practice
El-Sayed's criticism would apply to his wife's practice, which does not participate in Medicaid or Medicare. According to IRS data, the top 1% of statewide households in Michigan earn at least $611,500. El-Sayed's 2025 tax returns show that he earned $686,069, with $292,000 coming from additional income and $262,000 from capital gains. His wealth has risen substantially since he ran for governor in 2018, and at least some of the money has gone to his luxury watch collection.
El-Sayed's campaign did not respond to a request for comment, and his wife did not return a message submitted to her practice. El-Sayed is facing off against Democratic congresswoman Haley Stevens in the Michigan Senate primary, casting himself as a champion of the working class who will fight against oligarchs. He backs a single-payer Medicare for All system that covers every American from cradle to grave.