Salvage Medicaid

While the federal focus has been on repealing the ACA, the neglected story is what will happen to millions of Americans when more than $800 billion is removed from Medicaid.

With nearly a trillion dollars slashed by the House health care bill, and supported by Cathy McMorris Rodgers, people with disabilities stand to lose services and supports that are vital to their lives.

Medicaid insures one in five Americans, including 10 million people with disabilities. People with significant disabilities often lack access to employer-based or private coverage, have many medical needs, and may require assistance with activities of daily living throughout their lifetimes. For many, Medicaid is the only source of funds for them to live and work in the community and avoid costly, harmful, and segregated institutions.

If the House bill becomes law, Washington will receive less federal support for Medicaid. Most likely, our government will reduce eligibility, limit services and supports, and/or cut reimbursement to providers to save money.

We can’t go back to the era when people with disabilities didn’t have rights. Medicaid has made life in the community possible for millions of people. Sens. Murray and Cantwell are our last line of defense.

Darci Ladwig

Spokane Valley