There’s a lot of uncertainty in the air right now around Medicaid and the supports it provides for people with disabilities. Fortunately, there are a number of resources published by trustworthy organizations that provide a clear explanation of what’s happening at the federal level and provide tools to make it easier for people to reach out to their elected officials.
Here are some of our current favorites:
- This resource from Rutgers University’s Center for Excellence in Developmental Disability explains in plain language what’s going on and has tools, including a worksheet to help you gather your thoughts to present to your Congresspersons. It also comes in six additional languages including Spanish if English is not your first language.
- Get help sending Congressional representatives a letter about the impact of proposed Medicaid cuts with this form from our friends at the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN). The form provides language that you can edit to fit what you want to say. It automatically sends an email to your federal elected officials based on your address and zip code. NDRN’s Medicaid Fact sheet also has a load of good resources and links.
- The Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF) has an excellent “Hands Off Our Medicaid” resource page just loaded with information in plain language. It also has videos with real people talking about the impact cuts could have on their lives.
- One of the best parts about this webpage from the Autistic Self Advocacy Network is the list of “Words to Know” right up front. The information on the page is also updated regularly and shown in an easy-to-navigate list format.
Members of the Disability Rights Nebraska Leadership team have also met with staff and Nebraska members of the US House of Representatives to share our concerns about what could happen if the federal government cuts Medicaid assistance to states. We shared this fact sheet featuring the words of local advocates. We’ll continue to monitor the situation and stay in touch with all of our Congressional representatives to support and expand the voice of Nebraskans with disabilities.
Sharon Ohmberger is the Community Engagement Director at Disability Rights Nebraska. She has been with the organization since 1998.
Photo by Arun Kumar on Unsplash
