Our families have worked for the last decade to ensure that our young adults have the tools they need to live and thrive in the community. The individuals supported by our families live independently or with relatives; they are engaged in work, volunteer activities, and various community events. Medicaid provides them with the necessary support staff, job support, transportation, and personal care that they need to continue to be safe and healthy. This morning the U.S. House of Representatives passed a reconciliation bill that will have a significant impact on Medicaid. The proposed changes to Medicaid will lead to significant reductions in funding for the program, which may affect the ability of young people to remain engaged in their communities. “We are very worried about the future” said Julie Burish, “cuts to Medicaid will directly affect our young adults. Will they be able to continue to live in the community, to work and to contribute? Or will they be forced to live in nursing homes or institutions due to the lack of essential support?”
Our families ask that the U.S. Senate reject these devasting cuts to Medicaid.
