HOW MARYLAND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY COUNCIL RESPONDS TO GOP's EFFORTS TO REPEAL OBAMACARE ... (1369 hits)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FROM MARYLAND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY COUNCIL!
The U.S. House of Representatives Republican leadership released a 19-page report, "Obamacare Repeal and Replace: Policy Brief and Resources," outlining planned action that would have a dramatic impact on the healthcare system and Medicaid. Many disability advocates, concerned about the ramifications for the health and well-being of people living with disabilities, reacted with alarm.
The national Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD)* stated:
"Cutting funding and establishing funding caps for the Medicaid program threatens the longstanding Medicaid guarantee for people with disabilities. Per capita cap proposals are designed to dramatically reduce federal support for what is already a lean program, which will force states to cut services and eligibility. This puts the health and well-being of people with disabilities at significant risk... It is unacceptable to pay for the tax cuts that would benefit the wealthiest Americans by cutting services for low income individuals with disabilities, adults, older Americans, and children."
The Arc stated:
"... plan leaves many questions unanswered. It is not addressed whether insurance companies will be able to return to insurance policies that discriminate against people with disabilities and/or pre-existing conditions. It does not address whether insurance companies will be able to cap health care services or use health status to increase premiums. It does not address whether the critical health care services such as rehabilitative and habilitative devices and services ...and others will be available in the health plans."
The Maryland DD Council will be soliciting brief personal stories about "Why Medicaid Matters to Me" to help inform policymakers at the national level as they consider proposals that will have expansive, long lasting impact. Watch for an announcement soon.
* CCD is the largest coalition of national organizations working together to advocate for federal public policy that ensures the self-determination, independence, empowerment, integration, and inclusion of children and adults with disabilities in all aspects of society.
