Powerful.

 

Today, we stood with thousands of advocates and leaders in Washington, D.C. and across the country in support of Medicaid. A diverse group of disability rights organizations, health care advocates, parents, and individuals came together to tell Congress, “Don’t Cap My Care!”

 

 

 

Health care and services for families living with disability are under attack in our country. In fact, millions could lose coverage if the proposed American Health Care Act (AHCA/Trumpcare) were to become law. 

 

Targeting some of our most vulnerable citizens is shameful. Jeopardizing the health care that keeps many families afloat and working is not helpful and puts lives—and our economy—at risk. One thing is clear: the AHCA/Trumpcare plan is a disaster for families living with disability.

 

The American Health Care Act (AHCA/Trumpcare), if passed, would cut more than $800 billion from Medicaid over the next decade. These cuts (or “caps”) would devastate Medicaid funded services that children, adults, and elderly people with disabilities need to live, work, and participate in their communities. Currently, 10 million people with disabilities are covered by Medicaid.

 

 

Many don’t know, but Medicaid is a critical program for people who live with disability and chronic illnesses. It provides specialized healthcare services like nursing, personal care, and helps to deliver much needed therapies to children and adults.

 

In particular, Medicaid helps children receive services in school. Currently, school districts are able to seek reimbursement for the services that they provide for children in school settings. Under the proposed AHCA, schools would no longer be able to access Medicaid funds for these services, leaving a huge hole in school budgets and thousands of kids without the services they need!

 

People living with disability need security in their health care coverage. We need assurance from Congress that they will protect our nation’s cherished Medicaid program—not make massive cuts or impose harmful caps on coverage. Right now, there is much to be alarmed about—pre-existing conditions may no longer be covered and essential health benefits like prescription drugs, hospitalization, or mental health care could become a thing of the past in many plans! This could be devastating for children and families living with disability.