A family from New Jersey says any proposed Medicaid cuts would have a significant impact on them.
The Senate passed a Republican bill that does not explicitly call for Medicaid cuts, but Democratic lawmakers believe it could severely cut the federal program that provides health care to low-income families.
“It’s really hard to always fight for someone who doesn’t have a voice”
Amelia Hannon, 24, has been dealing with a rare genetic disorder since she was a child.
“Amelia was diagnosed with ring chromosome 22 at the age of 2, and then she has a syndrome called Phelan-McDermid syndrome,” the mother, Kristin Hannon, explained. “She needs help and caregiving 24/7.”
Her mother says getting her proper care has been difficult over the years.
“It’s really hard to always fight for someone who doesn’t have a voice,” Kristin Hannon admitted.
Amelia Hannon now lives in a group home at Universal Institute (UIRehab) in Livingston, New Jersey, where she receives treatment, attends daily programs, and has access to sensory rooms.
“I know she is happy. I know she is content. I know she is active. Kristin Hannon said, “I know she is supported.” “She is with her peers. She is with her friends. She has roommates. I love the day program because she has somewhere to go every day.”
However, Kristin Hannon believes that if Medicaid is cut, all of this could change.
“We’re dealing with human lives here”
According to Adam Steinberg, president and CEO of UIRehab, programs that provide services and a community for people with special needs and developmental disabilities are at risk.
“We would need to limit the amount of individuals that we provide services to,” he informed me.
This means that people like Amelia Hannon may end up in a developmental center or nursing home, with limited access to the resources they are currently receiving.
Kristin Hannon believes that instead of cuts, Medicaid could benefit from additional funding.
“Look at our faces.” Just please, you know? “Think and try to help,” she stated.
“I believe the most important takeaway is that we are dealing with human beings and their lives here. And without providers like us in the community, these people would not be able to access and live full lives,” Steinberg explained.