ILRU News Notice - Disability Rights Advocates Challenge Proposed Medicaid Cuts

The U. S. House of Representatives passed a bill on April 26 which includes radical work requirements for Medicaid enrollees ages 19 to 55. A recent announcement issued by the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) stated, “Cuts to Medicaid and the proposed work requirements would cause more red tape and would make it even harder for people with disabilities, their families, and the workers who support them to access the care they need to survive.” People with disabilities rely on Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) to live independently in their communities. Medicaid availability is an important factor in supporting transition from and avoiding entry into NURSING HOMES and institutions.

The Medicaid cuts were made in exchange for lifting the debt ceiling. NCIL issued the following statement: “We need to tell Congress to keep Medicaid OUT of debt ceiling negotiations.” NCIL urged citizens to contact their congressional representatives about the drastic changes in Medicaid. NCIL will host an online rally on Tuesday, May 23 from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time. For details, interested persons may go to the NCIL website at NCIL.ORG.