FRANKFORT, KY. (WDRB/WAVE) — Families from across Kentucky traveled to the state Capitol on Friday, asking lawmakers to scrap proposed cuts they say would make it harder for people with disabilities to get the care they need.
About 100 families, caregivers and providers rallied in Frankfort over a proposed 4% cut to Medicaid waiver reimbursement rates. They said the change could drive caregivers away, reduce services and lead to longer wait lists.
The state's 1915(c) Medicaid waivers help people with disabilities stay in their homes instead of institutions. The funding also helps pay for caregivers and other daily support.
For Joy Baum, the issue hits close to home. Her 26-year-old son has profound autism and for the past 12 years, Medicaid waiver funding has helped her family keep the same caregiver.
"Because of these cuts, I might have to come and say, 'You've done a great job... you've taken care of him for 12 years and you don't get a raise, you get a pay decrease,'" Baum said.
She said the waivers also give her confidence her son will be cared for long after she's gone.
"These waivers ensure that there are people and providers that can take care of him after I'm gone," Baum said. "That is my biggest fear every night."
Wendy Wheeler-Mullins, whose daughter has autism, said the waiver has helped her daughter build independence while still getting support with everyday tasks.
"The waiver enables her to work towards caring for herself at home and also to get out in the community," Wheeler-Mullins said.
The proposed reimbursement cut comes after lawmakers approved House Bill 500. According to the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy, the legislature provided about $691 million less than the Department for Medicaid Services requested to fully fund Medicaid benefits.
Families at Friday's rally said they're asking lawmakers to meet with them before the cuts take effect.
"Please don't take us back," Baum said. "Take us forward."
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