VOR Statement to Congress - Please Protect Medicaid

VOR has sent a position paper to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, in an appeal to reason and in hopes of empathy for people with I/DD and autism and their families.

Please click here to read/download VOR's letter.

This is the Statement we sent to the House Committtee on Energy and Commerce:

(Note: We have been sending variations of this in emails to different Members of Congress, congressional staff, and committee staffers)

Please Protect Medicaid

VOR is a national non-profit organization founded over 40 years ago to advocate for high quality care and human rights for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and autism. Our membership consists of families whose sons, daughters, sisters, and brothers are those individuals with the highest medical acuity needs. Realistically speaking, many are fully grown teenagers or adults who have the mental capabilities of infants or toddlers and who rely almost entirely on services provided through Medicaid programs.

Understandably, we are very concerned about Congress’ intentions to alter Medicaid funding. Whether through cuts to the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) that states receive from the federal government, or through changes in the structure of the program by instituting block grants or per capita cuts, each of these proposals has the potential to drastically reduce life sustaining services to our family members with I/DD and autism.

We urge you to ensure that the budget reconciliation process avoids any policy or funding changes to Medicaid that exposes the program to cuts in either funds or coverage. Further, the unique state and federal partnership of Medicaid risks Congress shifting the responsibility for reducing services or provider reimbursement to states. The reality is that Congress is the entity who enacts these cuts – or not. We ask you to enact a budget that prioritizes the needs of people who rely on Medicaid for their health and well-being over top tier-tax cuts that benefit those who already enjoy the fruits of our system.

So, let us be clear, the I/DD and severe autism community is comprised of individuals who are not able to participate in the competitive workforce, require around-the-clock care by skilled clinicians and caregivers, and will not physically or medically improve over a period of time. Their care and quality of life is, quite literally, dependent upon government programs such as Medicaid.

We encourage you to champion initiatives that provide greater support for residential options, ensure robust healthcare coverage, and address the workforce shortage that is leaving these individuals and their families living in crisis mode. For example, your support of policies that promote the training and work of direct service professionals (DSPs) has far reaching economic impacts for the DSP sector as well as for family members who have left thriving careers to stay home with their loved one.

Your leadership is crucial, and VOR looks forward to working together to make a lasting difference for people with disabilities and their families. Please know that we are available to offer resources, insights, and support as you craft policies that will improve the lives of those who have been historically marginalized.

Please feel free to contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions or opportunities to further engage with you on these critical issues.

Thank you,

Hugo Dwyer

Executive Director
VOR - A Voice Of Reason