To whom it may concern,
I am a 25 year old who lives an autism spectrum
disorder. My passion is to advocate for those with autism and other
disabilities and to spread awareness of issues that affect the disability
community in general. As an American who lives with a
disability, I am deeply concerned about this recent bill which attempts to
cut Medicaid funding. These cuts can significantly affect the
quality of life for people like myself because we wouldn’t be able have
the supports and accommodations we need to live in the community as well as
getting appropriate medical and mental health care.
Growing up, I benefitted from services and therapies such as
early intervention that enabled me to achieve a lot of things like going
to college, getting a job etc. In addition, I am also a client of
regional center services in California and utilized variety of the services
that enabled me to get a job. Even though I have achieved a lot, I still
need support in my daily life and will eventually rely on Medicaid funds for
health care as well as for housing and support on living on my own. If
the Graham-Cassidy act is passed, it would make it harder for me to access the
support I need in order to make the next big step on living on my own
a smooth one. In addition, I will be 26 next year and will
no longer fall under my parents’ health insurance so Medicaid funding
will be crucial for me to continue to have adequate access to good
healthcare. If there are drastic cuts to Medicaid, it would be hard
to imagine a great future for myself and to know that there is a safety network
in place for me .
The Graham Cassidy act and drastic cuts to Medicaid would
get rid of the safety net for me and a lot of people with disabilities who
rely on government funding. Medicaid is a big
resource for regional center system here in California. These
cuts that are being proposed by the Graham Cassidy could drastically
affect programs s such as supported Living and employment as well as
respite and other key services that people with developmental disabilities and
their families rely on. Families will not be able to afford key
therapies that can improve the quality of life for their children if insurance
doesn’t cover the cost of early intervention services. I am not writing
this letter just for myself, but on behalf of those with disabilities and other
preexisting conditions who are afraid to speak out. Some people will not
be able to survive without Medicaid funding since Insurance companies can
charge a higher premium or refuse coverage for those with preexisting
conditions. I do believe there needs to be reforms to Medicaid
services but the Graham Cassidy bill is not the solution since it will
make life harder for people with disabilities.
Best,
Christine
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