Budget reconciliation, a special legislative process, is underway in Congress. As a result of the passionate advocacy from the disability community, a number of proposals that would have drastically changed the way Medicaid is financed did not make it into the current bill. Our collective advocacy has made a significant difference, but it is not over yet!
The House of Representatives has passed a bill that would make several changes to Medicaid, including:
· Limiting ways for states to pay for their share of Medicaid
· Reducing Medicaid’s retroactive coverage
· Instituting work requirements for some Medicaid recipients
While the bill seeks to exempt individuals with disabilities from some of these changes, we remain concerned that these proposals would have unintended consequences for those with Down syndrome and other disabilities.
The bill will now go to the Senate for a vote. Now is a critical time to make your voice heard! Please share our action alert with your families.
NDSS has been engaging directly with Congressional offices, developing resources, and distributing letters to highlight the unintended negative impacts these proposals could have on individuals with Down syndrome and other disabilities. We are currently collecting stories from individuals with Down syndrome and their families about how Medicaid services impact their daily lives. These firsthand accounts help legislators at the state and federal levels understand the real-world importance of the programs they’re making decisions about. If you know of someone with a story or if your organization is impacted by Medicaid funding, please share our survey here!