Medicaid is Under Attack and I Need Your Help

Unfortunately, individuals (like myself) who receive Ohio Medicaid Waiver services are coming under attack and in danger of losing the lifesaving care they rely on to live.

I will provide context below, but I cannot stress enough that now is the time to contact Ohio representatives over the next 72 hours!

Now is the time for everyone to be an advocate! You don’t need to be receiving the services to know someone (case in point) who could be affected in a very dire way. I spent 14 months trying to get out of a nursing home. I vowed to never return. This is our chance to make our voices heard!

This link will allow you to find contact information for your representatives and senators. I would also urge you to contact the Gov.’s office as well:

https://findmydistrict.ohiosos.gov/

More info on the attack on Medicaid:

1. On May 4, the Daily Wire published an article claiming widespread fraud waste and abuse in Ohio’s Medicaid system. Daily Wire article. The Daily Wire published several articles in this series that you can access from the links at the bottom of the article linked in this email.
2. On May 13, Governor DeWine issued a press release, announcing his commitment to address, fraud, waste and abuse in Ohio’s Medicaid system. Dewine Press Release
3. Also, on May 13, Vice President JD Vance held a press conference and singled out Ohio’s alleged Medicaid fraud. JD Vance press conference
4. Effective May 15, the Ohio Department of Medicaid “paused new Medicaid enrollment for Home Health, Hospice, and related provider types”. Follow the link, provided here and click on the hyperlink in the red box at the top of the screen. Moratorium
5. On May 19, several Ohio House of Representative committees met to discuss bills relevant to Medicaid, including HB780: Enact the Medicaid Savings Act, HB795: Enact SHIELD Act. several other bills were supposed to be discussed, butthey were dropped from the agenda at the last minute. 
6. On May 20th, advocates from around the state created a press release to counter the arguments presented by Governor DeWine on May 13. Ohioans With Disabilities Sound The Alarm Please read and circulate among all your networks!
7. On May 23 a substitute Bill was introduced for HB795., in anticipation for the May 27, House Medicaid committee meeting for the second hearing on HB795: Enact SHIELD Act. 

Admittedly, it’s easy to get discouraged after reading all of this. However, our voices are stronger when we speak in unison. Use your energy, frustration, and/or fury to reach out to your legislators, the media, and your networks far and wide. 

Stand Strong!

 Scott