By skyforbes 
“I would be lost without Medicaid. These services saved me.” — Alec from Takoma Park, MD.
Today, I joined my colleagues in the Senate and disability rights advocates from across the country to send a very simple message to President Trump: In the United States of America, everybody counts and no one should be left behind. As the Trumpcare proposal from my Republican colleagues threatens access to affordable health care for those with pre-existing conditions and people with disabilities that rely on Medicaid, we need to make sure every single person has the care they need to reach their God-given potential.
This morning I met Alec, one of my constituents from Takoma Park. He told me first-hand how critical Medicaid has been to him and his family. Alec was diagnosed with Autism at a young age. Many people tried to force his parents to institutionalize him as he was growing up. With the help of Medicaid, he and his parents were able to benefit from services provided — including therapy sessions and a brain surgery that he needed to survive.
“I would be lost without Medicaid. These services saved me,” he told me.
Alec was able to get his bachelor’s degree in political science and master’s degree in disability studies and now advocates for the millions of people who would be severely harmed if Medicaid is attacked with the passage of Trumpcare.
Caring for all Americans shouldn’t be a partisan issue. I was proud to work successfully with members on both sides of the aisle to pass the ABLE Act, which is helping children with disabilities and their families plan and save for their futures. And while the Americans with Disabilities Act was a huge step forward for our country — it took landmark steps to level the playing field for individuals with disabilities — our work is far from over.
We’re now fighting against the threat of Trumpcare, which would turn back the clock for some of our most vulnerable populations. Over 70 million Americans rely on Medicaid’s vital services that extend opportunity and healthy living, especially to the 15 million Americans with disabilities. Trumpcare — or what I like to call “wealthcare” — slashes Medicaid and at the same time provides a huge windfall tax break to insurance companies and the wealthiest people in America. A $590 billion dollar tax cut to be exact.
Our President should highlight the remarkable contributions that Americans with disabilities have made to society — not mock, belittle, and attempt to defund critical legislation that helps make America more inclusive.
We need to build a more inclusive society where all Americans can thrive. Let’s hold President Trump accountable and make sure he doesn’t violate the promises he made to keep Medicaid intact.
Editor’s note: As a result of Alec sharing his powerful story, many others have shared their own on Facebook. You can read them below and here. If you have your own story to share on how Medicaid has benefited you or someone you know, please share in the comments below.
- Mark Lloyd: The same is true with my family, though we may never see our daughter earn a college degree. Medicaid enables her to receive the services that will enable her to develop much needed skills. Thank you for standing with us!
- Reida Sheinberg: Our son, 31, relies on Medicaid for DDA waiver services. With this support he holds a job, volunteers and lives in his own apartment with support. Without Medicaid he would not be living independently in the community. Save Medicaid! Appreciate your support!
- Emily Cooke: Thank you Senator Van Hollen. Please never give up the fight. My son has ADHD and processing difficulties. Before the ACA, we had a lot more out of pocket/not covered services for his difficulties. The ACA’s coverage requirements helped our family as well. If Medicare for all can’t be achieved, please protect and improve the ACA.
- Amanda Boda: Meet Linnea. She also had brain surgery and we are able to care for her in our home because of the help we receive from Medicaid. Please keep fighting. Thank you!
- Beth Novick: I was a strong, healthy, independent small business owner raising three sons when I was bitten by a tick. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize it and went several years without treatment. By that point, I’d become bedridden, unable to work, shop, care for my home, even do basic self-care. Thank God for Medicaid in Maryland. Without insurance, I surely wouldn’t have survived.
- Michelle Mosher: Thank you, Senator Chris Van Hollen for all you do to advocate for us. I have a 33 year old cousin on Medicaid. Like Alec, Nikki’s been on Medicaid since she was a child. Unlike Alec, her story does not yet have a happy ending. My cousin has hydrocephalus and a Chiari malformation, which has resulted in her having 16 brain surgeries in 16 years. All to no avail. A big part of the problem is that her Rhode Island Medicaid provider, UnitedHealthcare, has routinely denied her access to and coverage for treatments by hydrocephalus specialists. The latest denial of coverage, which came just this week, is for a cranioplasty recommended by Dr. Marc Luciano — a renowned leader in treating hydrocephalus, at John’s Hopkins here in Maryland. United Healthcare has deemed the procedure “medically unnecessary” despite the fact that Nikki’s cerebellum is protruding from her skull. I, like many in my family, are so frustrated with this situation. We want health for Nikki. However, we all recognize that even though coverage from UnitedHealthcare has been problematic, Medicaid has saved her life thus far. I shudder to think what Nikki’s life would be like without this coverage. To learn more about Nikki, check out her Community page: Rally for Nikki. And if you have any suggestions on how to appeal United Healthcare’s decision, please do be in contact. #unitedhealthcaredoesntcare