Recently, individuals in our Acquired Brain Injury Advocacy Group wrote letters to their legislators urging them to reject cuts to Medicaid programs. Self-Advocacy is an important topic, and learning how to adequately advocate for yourself and loved ones is a paramount life skill. Members of the ABI Advocacy group shared their stories with legislators, and told them how cuts to Medicaid would impact their lives. We are grateful to the members of the group for sharing and for being staunch advocates for the brain injury and disabled community.
Congress continues to consider legislation that could enact deep cuts to Medicaid. Recently, the House passed a budget resolution requiring at least $880 billion in cuts—the majority of which would come from Medicaid. Now, the Senate is considering whether it will also adopt the House’s framework. If passed, this legislation would have devastating consequences for people with disabilities and the provider network that supports them. If passed, this legislation would:
Shift Medicaid costs to states, forcing them to consider cuts to provider rates and reductions to essential services.
Threaten home and community-based services, leading to longer waitlists and higher rates of institutionalization.
Put individuals with I/DD at risk of losing critical supports that allow them to live independently.
Congress must hear from you now. Tell your Congressional members: Reject Medicaid cuts and protect services for people with disabilities.
Members of Congress rely on feedback from their constituents when making decisions on public policy. Studies show that direct outreach from constituents is the most effective way to influence legislators—your voice truly makes a difference. That’s why it’s critical to act now and tell Congress to protect Medicaid and the services individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) rely on.