Protect Medicaid and Services for Individuals with Disabilities
02.20.2025
office@thearccalhoun.org
The House has proposed a budget resolution that threaten The Arc's ability to provide services to individuals with disabilities in our community.
Did you know that 37% of Michiganders with a disability, under age 65, are on Medicaid? Medicaid is funded by a combination of matched State and Federal money. For people with moderate to severe intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), Medicaid funding is more than reimbursement for medical services. It also covers Case Management and Home & Community Based Services. These services are vital for supporting people to live in the community rather than be segregated in institutions. And while Home & Community Based Services are usually less expensive than round-the-clock-care in institutions, they are considered 'optional'.
What this means: If the Federal government shifts the costs of Medicaid from the Federal to the State government, 'optional' services like Home & Community Based Services could well be on the chopping block.
The Arc of Calhoun County was created by concerned parents in 1954 when large numbers of people with IDD were forced to live in state hospitals under lonely and horrific conditions. The history of our organization is one of advocacy and direct services so that people could avoid this fate. Today, The Arc provides skill building and employment services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We support people to hone the skills they need to live and work in the community. The majority of The Arc's services are funded by Medicaid.
Make no mistake, the threat is real. The House Budget Committee passed its Budget Resolution which includes at least $880 billion in cuts over ten years to Medicaid, Social Security, Medicare, Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other programs. Since Social Security and Medicare are perceived as untouchable, that means most of these cuts will be to Medicaid and SNAP.
But you can help! The Arc of the United States has set up a website where you can email your representative and tell them not to cut Medicaid. It's so easy - just click the button below and fill in your details to tell your Congressional Representative to protect Medicaid.
