Tell Your Story: Why Medicaid Matters to Me
Earlier this week, we shared a
National Action Alert about a plan that is being fast tracked through Congress to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. It states in no uncertain terms that
"The level of cuts over time would decimate the Medicaid program."
Why should we in Maryland care?
- For many adults with developmental disabilities, Medicaid (Maryland Medical Care Program) is their health insurance. It pays for care from doctors, specialists, and hospitals, as well as prescriptions.
- Maryland, like all states, receives Medicaid funding to help pay for the cost of long-term supports that people with developmental disabilities receive. If you or someone you know receives services paid for by DDA, Medicaid most likely helps pay for it.
You may have heard about DDA's Community Pathways waiver -- Medicaid pays about half the cost of those community services.
Thousands of Marylanders with developmental disabilities depend on Medicaid - or will need it in the future - to remain healthy, live in the community, and stay out of costly institutions. Many other groups of people
will also be affected.
While analysis of the Congressional plan is ongoing and there may be changes, it is clear that Medicaid at the state level will be impacted.
It is important to share your story of Why Medicaid Matters to You.
What you can do: TELL YOUR STORY
Our Congressional Representatives and Senators need to know the impact Medicaid has on people's lives - and they need to know
now.
If you or someone you know relies on Medicaid-paid services as described above -- or will in the future -- take these three easy steps:
1) Think about "Why Medicaid Matters to Me."
2) Send an email to
xxxxxx@md-council.org-- briefly tell us the positive impact healthcare services and community supports have had on your life or the life of someone you care about.
3) Include your name and address.
The Council will collect the stories and share them with Maryland's Congressional delegation.
