Medicaid: What’s at Stake and How You Can Help
Much of this information was shared in an email last week, but we are reaching out again with new updates—particularly regarding the House budget—and expanding our audience to encourage action.
We have received many emails, messages, and calls about state and federal legislation impacting childcare and disability support. With so much happening, it can be overwhelming to determine where to begin. However, we must start somewhere.
Right now, we believe the most urgent issue is the federal budget and proposed Medicaid funding cuts. While we still do not have clarity on what specific programs may be affected or how spending reductions will be handled, these decisions could have serious consequences for families, providers, and the individuals we serve. If you’d like more details, Iowa DDCouncil prepared a great overview here.
The House Budget seeks at least $880 Billion in Mandatory Spending Cuts on programs overseen by the House Energy and Commerce Committee. This committee oversees Medicaid, which many expect to bear the brunt of the cuts. In FY24 CMS reported the US spent $608 Billion in total on Medicaid.
What Does Medicaid Cover?
Medicaid is a critical program that helps millions of people access healthcare and support services, including:
ALL IOWA HCBS WAIVER PROGRAMS: ALL WAIVER SERVICES PROVIDED BY HAND IN HAND AND RECEIVED AT PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS FOR THINGS SUCH AS RESIDENTIAL SERVICES ARE MEDICAID PROGRAMS.
Habilitation Services
Program for All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
Home Health Services
Private Duty Nursing/Personal Cares Program
Hospice Services
Targeted Case Management
Money Follos the Person
Training for LTSS Providers and Case Managers
Healthcare for children and adults with disabilities – covering doctor visits, hospital stays, and specialized care
Therapies and in-home support – such as speech, occupational, and physical therapy for those with disabilities
Long-term services and support – helping individuals with disabilities live independently and participate in their communities
Behavioral and mental health services – including therapy, medication, and crisis intervention
Preventative care for low-income families – ensuring children and adults receive regular checkups and necessary treatments
How Is Medicaid Funded?
Medicaid is a federal-state partnership:
63% of Medicaid funding comes from the federal government
37% comes from the state of Iowa
If federal funding is cut, states either must fill the gap, reduce services, or tighten eligibility, which could impact those who rely on Medicaid for essential care.
How You Can Help (It’s Quick & Easy!):
Contact Your Lawmakers – A short email or call makes a huge difference. Tell them why Medicaid matters to you, your family, or our community. Not sure what to say? Tell YOUR story:
State your name, where you live
Share a brief personal story that connects your experience with Medicaid. Share how Medicaid helps you live, work, and give back to your community, and keeps you and your family healthy.
Ask for no cuts to Medicaid
“Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I live in [Your City].
I’m reaching out because Medicaid is essential for individuals with disabilities, families, and organizations like Hand in Hand.
I see Medicaid’s impact [tell your story about yourself or who you know and love that benefit from this service and what it means to them and you]
Cuts to Medicaid would hurt people in our community who rely on it for healthcare, employment, and support services.
I urge you to protect Medicaid funding and ensure these critical services remain accessible. Thank you for your time.”
Hands Off Medicaid Hotline: 1-866-426-2631
Senator Chuck Grassley (563) 322-4331, 201 West 2nd Street Suite 720 Davenport, IA 52801
Senator Joni Ernst (563) 322-0677, 201 West 2nd Street Suite 806 Davenport, IA 52801
Representative Marianette Miller-Meeks: (563) 232-0930, 201 W. Second St., Suite 705, Davenport, IA 52801
Put these numbers in your phone, so you can quickly and easily contact your representatives!
· Be kind
· Be concise
· Be real: Lawmakers work for YOU, tell your personal story
· Be You: Tell them who you are and the city you live in, they need to know you are one of their constituents!
Spread the Word – Share this message with family and friends. The more people who speak up, the stronger our impact.
Stay Informed – We are committed to keeping you updated on Medicaid policy changes and other legislative actions affecting childcare and disability services as we are able, stay tuned for more regular updates via our mail platform. In the meantime, there are a lot of other resources we urge you to follow for up to the minute information and action.
Sign up for updates and plan language summaries from Iowa DD Council or learn about quick and fast action you can take about any issue that matters to you at 5Calls: https://5calls.org/
Advocating for our families and community doesn’t have to be intimidating. Lawmakers work for us, and hearing from real people—parents, caregivers, professionals—makes all the difference. Your voice matters, and together, we can ensure our community continues to receive the support it needs.