Last month, I was able to attend the Disability Policy Seminar (DPS) in Washington, D.C. DPS is one of the most influential seminars because it ends with a “Hill Day” when disability advocates meet with congressional and senate members on Capitol Hill.
Hill Day gives advocates the opportunity to share their disability stories. The result is education on why and how disability issues affect their personal lives.
This year, there is a $880 billion dollar cut to Medicaid on the table. This would be devastating to the 80 million people who currently rely on Medicaid, according a presentation at this year’s DPS.
These cuts are terrifying for the disability community who made their voices heard when 900 attendees showed up. Presenters explained how the $880 billion would be taken from “optional” Medicaid services.
The word optional is misleading, because the services under optional should be considered mandatory. The proposed cuts would mainly affect waivers or home- and community-based services, add work requirements or add per-capita caps on services.
First, let’s explore waivers and home and community based services (HCBS). This is extremely important to me because they allow me to live independently in the community. Waivers and HCBS cover the cost of living supports such as a caregiver.
I have been approved to have 12 hours a week of home-maker services. My caregiver visits me to do laundry and cleaning. Due to the shortage of care workers in Colorado (see my previous column, “Help Wanted,” Jan. 22, 2024), I have only been able to find a caregiver who can provide four hours a week. Even without the threat of funding cuts, I’m already struggling.
Medicaid is the only insurance that will cover HCBS. Without that coverage, I would have to pay around $40 per hour: $480 a week or $1,920 a month. Medicaid asset limits require that I have no more than $2,000 per month at my disposal or I will lose benefits. Home health alone would eat up my monthly assets, leaving me with $70 for rent and food.
Adding work requirements for benefits would only add more steps in an already complicated and confusing system. Medicaid would have to increase staff to regulate the work requirements, which would cost the agency more money.
Placing per capita caps on services would create massive waiting lists, which results in community members’ needs going unmet. If home services can’t be acquired, the number of people living in institutions will increase. HCBS services are much cheaper than rent in a nursing home. I know that firsthand, as I lived in a nursing home before living independently in the community.
Medicaid is so much more than health insurance. It’s a lifeline for people living with disability. Medicaid is already underfunded, and we can’t afford any amount of cuts.
If you think Medicaid cuts won’t affect you, think again. Anyone could end up relying on Medicaid at any time — the disability community is the only minority anyone can join when least expected.
The best way to protect Medicaid is to communicate with your congressional and senate members: philanthropycolorado.org/find-and-contact-your-legislator.
Jenn Ochs lives in Boulder and enjoys listening to music, podcasts and audiobooks while painting or drawing. She is a disability rights advocate, award-winning columnist and a graduate from Baylor University in Texas, which is where she realized that Boulder is the best place to live.