This episode also appears on the Purge 47 podcast which is in its infancy with few followers. I feel this information is important and so I'm adding it to this podcast. Check out Purge 47 for continuing episodes related to disability politics. Podcast Show Notes: Understanding Medicaid & The Fight to Protect It Introduction Welcome to the show! Today, I'm diving into Medicaid—what it is, how it works, and why proposed budget cuts could have devastating consequences for millions of Americans with disabilities.If you or a loved one rely on Medicaid, this episode is for you. Stay tuned to learn how you can take action to protect this essential program. Segment 1: What is Medicaid? Medicaid is a government-funded health insurance program that provides free or low-cost healthcare to low-income individuals, families, seniors, and people with disabilities.It is distinct from Medicare, which serves seniors (65+) and certain disabled individuals regardless of income.Medicaid covers hospital visits, doctor appointments, prescription drugs, and long-term care, including Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) that help individuals with disabilities live independently.Funded jointly by federal and state governments, meaning eligibility and benefits vary by state. Key Differences Between Medicaid & Medicare: FeatureMedicareMedicaidWho It CoversSeniors (65+) & some with disabilitiesLow-income individuals, children, pregnant women, elderly, and disabled peopleFundingFederal programJoint federal & state programIncome Limits?NoYes, based on financial needCoverageHospital care, doctor visits, some prescriptionsHospital care, doctor visits, prescriptions, long-term care, and sometimes dental & visionCost to PatientsMay have premiums & co-paysUsually low or no cost, some states have small co-paysLong-Term Care?LimitedYes, covers nursing homes & in-home care Who Can Have Both? Some individuals qualify for both Medicaid and Medicare, known as “dual eligibility.” Medicaid can help cover Medicare premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Segment 2: Medicaid Under Threat – Proposed Budget Cuts The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a budget framework that proposes cutting over $800 billion from Medicaid over the next decade.Advocates warn that these cuts could:Limit access to essential health services for over 10 million people with disabilities.Reduce funding for HCBS, forcing more people into institutional care.Deepen the workforce crisis in disability services—69% of providers have already had to decline new clients due to staffing shortages.Put nursing home care at risk, affecting millions of seniors.Leave states struggling to fill the funding gap, leading to more people losing coverage. What’s at Stake? More than 700,000 people are already on waiting lists for Medicaid waivers that provide home and community-based services.Cuts could force families to become full-time caregivers, quit jobs, or lose access to critical health services.ACLU and disability rights advocates stress that Medicaid is a lifeline—not just another budget line item. Segment 3: Why This Matters Medicaid is more than just a government program—it’s a promise to protect our most vulnerable citizens.If these cuts go through, real people will lose access to care, families will face overwhelming burdens, and communities will suffer.Experts warn that Medicaid funding reductions could lead to:Over 15.9 million people losing their Medicaid or CHIP coverage by 2026.Reduced support for children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities.Longer waiting lists and fewer available...
