Medicaid at Risk: Congress needs to hear from you!
For the vast majority of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD), Medicaid is their only resource for accessing health care, assistance and residential supports. For these Americans, the Medicaid program ensures maximum independence and daily happiness.
Congressional proposals to cut or cap ("block grant") Medicaid will not save money.
Instead, the loss of federal matching funds will place an incredible financial burden on states, localities, providers and families, thereby jeopardizing coverage for millions of beneficiaries. In addition, studies have shown that Medicaid is a good investment. Cutting Medicaid will result in lost revenue due to its impact on employment and business activity, particularly in the health and disability services sectors.
"Optional" Medicaid services are a lifeline for people with ID/DD
Most Medicaid services for people with ID/DD are considered “optional.” This list of “optional” services includes basic health care needs such as prescribed drugs, clinic services, dental care, physical therapy, prosthetic devices, and specified medical and remedial care.
Long-term care "optional" benefits include home and community-based services (HCBS) waiver, personal attendant care, case management, and Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (ICFs/MR).
Lifeline Medicaid services are not "optional" in the lives of those who need them. Cuts and any erosion of quality of care standards will have a devastating human impact.
Strong Congressional leadership is necessary to ensure that our nation’s admirable history of supporting our most vulnerable citizenry will not be lost to the chopping block. For most persons with ID/DD who rely on Medicaid for basic health care and support needs, Congress will soon be taking actions that will be truly a matter of life or death.
Please contact your U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators to let them know how this impacts the most vulnerable of our citizens.
Contact information for the U.S. Representatives and U.S. Senators can be found here by entering your zip code: www.congress.org.
