This is our second issue of our advocacy-focused newsletter. Join us in advocating at this critical time in our history.
If you have someone in your life with an IDD that receives services, THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW. Tell your members of Congress how critically important Medicaid is to every child and adult with an intellectual and developmental disability.
Medicaid funding is seriously threatened by Congress right now, which will affect nearly every area of disability services if enacted.
If your family member receives Waiver services, it is a Medicaid Waiver.
If your family member is in the school system and receives related services, they are paid for by Medicaid.
You may not be Medicaid eligible yourself, but your family member with disabilities is.
You must protect the services they receive. Read on to find out more and how you can help.
Medicaid Cuts Would Harm People with Disabilities and Their Families
KKF Health News details what Medicaid supports nationwide, including disability services, nursing homes, and health insurance for people who otherwise cannot afford it.
Medicaid is the lifeline of disability services in New York State and nationwide. Congress is currently weighing severe cuts to this program, which would negatively impact people with disabilities and their families. Examples of harmful repercussions resulting from Medicaid cuts include:
- Loss of Essential Care: Medicaid covers almost 50% of all U.S. children with disabilities and six million adults with disabilities, providing critical medical services like physical therapy, medical equipment, home health care, and medication.
- Threats to Independence: Medicaid funds essential long-term services, like in-home care and assisted living. Cuts would limit access to these services, increasing the risk of institutionalization and undermining independence for adults with disabilities.
- Loss of Job Training and Support: Medicaid funds vital programs that help workers with disabilities access job training, transportation, and social services. Cuts could limit opportunities for employment
- Limited Long-Term Care Access: Cuts would further limit already scarce long-term care options, including nursing homes, personal aides, and respite care—vital services for those with severe disabilities or chronic illnesses
The facts are clear–cuts to Medicaid equal cuts to the vital, life-changing services people with disabilities are entitled to.
NYS Budget Update
Congratulations and THANK YOU to our advocates who have rallied, sent letters, called, and met with legislators since last fall. Through your hard work and diligence, both the State Senate and Assembly one-house budgets include our full request for a 7.8% increase! The investments proposed in both one-house budgets will help stabilize the system of care New Yorkers with disabilities and their families rely on and make progress toward wage equity for the skilled staff who deliver that care. Upholding the proposed investments would start correcting years of neglect, and demonstrate a renewed commitment to support New York’s most vulnerable citizens.
The legislature and the Governor will now meet to determine a final budget, due by April 1. Our partners at The Arc New York have updated their one-click campaign so you can easily send a message to your legislators, thanking them for hearing our call and encouraging them to make us a top priority during negotiations. A separate message will be sent to the governor, asking her to accept the legislature’s proposal. The governor’s Executive budget only included 2.1%.
Thank you again for your stories and your time spent advocating for this issue. We are almost there!
How You Can Advocate TODAY at Home and In-Person
If there is someone in your life with IDD and other disabilities, it is important that you make personal contact with your elected officials and let them know you are a voting constituent and you have a loved one with IDD who has needs! This must be a nonpartisan effort. All of our elected officials – Democratic, Republican, or Independent – need to understand the needs of the population we serve. That includes state, city, and federal elected officials.
Here’s how you can reach out to your legislator:
- Find your Federal representative
- Find your NYS Assembly member
- Find your NYS Senator
- Contact the Governor’s office
Our national partners at The Arc of the United States have compiled these resources to get you started with advocacy:
Attend a Town Hall Event
Find an event near you by checking your members of Congress’ websites and social media. At the town hall, share why Medicaid matters to you or someone you know and why cuts would be harmful.
Act Now to Protect Medicaid
Send a message to Congress and tell them to protect Medicaid for the millions of people with disabilities who rely on it for health care and more. The Arc’s one-click module is an effective way to get your message across.
Share Your Story
Use the resources from The Arc’s storytelling toolkit to learn how to effectively share your story with elected officials to raise awareness about Medicaid. Personal stories are among the most effective tools we have to influence legislators.
Upcoming rallies and events include:
- NY-11 Brooklyn March and Die-In for Health Care and Against Billionaire Tax Cuts
- Invest in Us Rally at New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse
Stay Informed: Important News Items
Rally in the Valley Brings Together Advocates from Across New York State
More than 200 AHRC NYC advocates made their voices heard at Clover Stadium in Rockland County, urging support for Medicaid.
Medicaid is Even Leaner as Accountability Improves
Recent data shows that Medicaid is one of the most efficient government programs, increased accountability and positive outcomes leading to broad popular support.
Disabled Americans fear losing protections if states’ lawsuit succeeds
The Washington Post provides a comprehensive look at Texas v. Becerra’s threat to Section 504 and disability rights.
Become a Member
Advocacy has been at the forefront of our mission for more than 75 years since being founded by families that fought for the creation of services and supports for their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and other disabilities. We continue to fight for greater access and opportunity for the people we support and love!
Sign up for our mailing list
Join AHRC New York City’s mailing list today, to stay informed about the field of services for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, legislative news, and upcoming events.
