As we gear up for the 2024 presidential election, it’s a good time to reflect on how previous battles over healthcare, particularly Medicaid, have shaped the support systems that millions of people rely on today. It feels like déjà vu—just like in 2017, there are concerns that the programs we depend on could be drastically altered or even dismantled. The memories of those heated debates over the GOP’s “Repeal and Replace” efforts serve as a stark reminder that we can’t take anything for granted, especially when it comes to Medicaid and disability services.
Back in March 2017, Congress unveiled its plan to replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA), leading to widespread fears about the future of Medicaid. Discussions swirled around the possibility of implementing block grants, a funding mechanism that could cut services for Medicaid recipients by as much as 50% in some states, including Colorado. While those drastic changes were staved off, it’s clear that Medicaid remains vulnerable to shifting political winds.
The 2024 Election: What’s at Stake?
Fast forward to today, the issues surrounding Medicaid and healthcare are once again front and center. The stakes are high—Medicaid is more than just a healthcare program; it’s the lifeline for families who have children with special needs, adults with disabilities, and seniors requiring long-term care. However, as we approach November, the two major presidential candidates—Kamala Harris and Donald Trump—offer starkly different visions for Medicaid’s future.
Here’s what you need to know about each candidate’s position on Medicaid and what it could mean for disability services in states like Colorado and beyond:
Kamala Harris: A Commitment to Protect and Expand Medicaid
Kamala Harris has been a staunch advocate for expanding healthcare services and protecting programs like Medicaid from budget cuts. Her healthcare platform emphasizes:
1. Preserving Medicaid Expansion and Preventing Block Grants
Harris has pledged to maintain the Medicaid expansions achieved under the ACA, ensuring that states like Colorado continue to receive federal matching dollars that enable expanded coverage and services. She opposes block grants, which limit federal funding and could lead to program cuts.
2. Strengthening Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)
Harris is committed to investing in HCBS programs, essential for people with disabilities who want to live independently. This investment would increase funding and expand eligibility so more individuals can receive care in their homes and communities instead of in institutional settings.
3. Addressing Health Equity and Accessibility
Harris has a comprehensive plan to address disparities in healthcare access, which disproportionately impact people with disabilities and those in underserved communities. Her administration would focus on strengthening civil rights protections and improving healthcare accessibility.
Donald Trump: A Return to Block Grant Proposals and Reduced Federal Oversight
During his first term, Donald Trump’s administration aggressively pursued policies that would have fundamentally altered Medicaid:
1. Promoting Medicaid Block Grants
Trump’s team proposed Medicaid block grants and work requirements, giving states more control over spending their Medicaid funds but reducing federal contributions. For states like Colorado, this could mean a rollback of expanded services and stricter limitations on who qualifies for Medicaid.
2. Efforts to Repeal the ACA
Trump has consistently pushed for repealing the ACA and eliminating Medicaid expansions in many states. Although Congress blocked these efforts, Trump’s stance on healthcare has not changed, and his re-election could reignite these initiatives.
3. Potential Cuts to Disability Services
Under Trump’s proposals, there would likely be a shift towards managed care models that cap spending and reduce the availability of critical services like physical and occupational therapy. This could put additional pressure on families struggling to navigate an underfunded system.
How to Protect Medicaid Services: Make Your Voice Heard!
Just as in 2017, the threat to Medicaid is real. As a special needs parent or advocate, you know that Medicaid is often the backbone of your family’s support system. It allows your child or loved one to receive the therapies, equipment, medical care, and long-term support through Home and Community-Based Medicaid Waiver programs that they need to thrive.
But these services could disappear with the swift stroke of a pen. We saw it happen in Texas, where Medicaid cuts slashed benefits by 50% within weeks, leaving families scrambling to care for their children without the support they relied on. Texas rates are low enough that many people providing support services start at $10 an hour and are capped at $20.00. We can’t afford to let this happen again—not in Colorado, not anywhere.
The 2024 election is about more than party politics—it’s about the future of Medicaid and the rights of people with disabilities. Now is the time to use your voice and advocate for your family’s needs:
1. Contact Your Legislators
Whether it’s a phone call, an email, or a personal visit, let your local representatives know how important Medicaid is to you and your family. Colorado’s Senator Cory Gardner listened in 2017, and your voice made a difference then. Keep reaching out—call today, tomorrow, and every day until we know that Medicaid services are safe.
2. Educate Your Community
Share your story and educate others about what’s at stake. Join local advocacy groups and be part of the collective voice fighting to protect healthcare for people with disabilities.
3. Vote
This election could determine the future of Medicaid and disability rights in America. Make sure you’re registered, research the candidates’ positions, and cast your vote in November. Your vote is your voice—use it to protect what matters most.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The future of Medicaid and the health of countless families hang in the balance this election season. Now, more than ever, it’s time to march for Medicaid. Let’s ensure that every child, adult, and senior with a disability has access to the care and support they deserve. Our voices made a difference in 2017; they can do so again in 2024. Stand up, speak out, and vote to protect Medicaid!
For further discussion on these concerns, check out these recent articles.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/harris-trump-looming-medicare-social-090117904.html?fr=sycsrp_catchall