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As a professional in the disability field for more than 40 years, I know firsthand how much of a lifeline Medicaid is for people with disabilities and those who care for them. At Easterseals Midwest, we support people with disabilities to live independently, find meaningful employment, get support in their everyday lives, and more.
The families we support are doing everything right—showing up for work, caring for loved ones, and making sure their children get the support they need. For many of them, Medicaid is the foundation that makes it all possible.
That foundation is now under threat.
Last week, Senate Republicans introduced a reconciliation bill that proposes deep and dangerous cuts to Medicaid – a vital lifeline for Missourians with disabilities and the people who take care of them. Rather than improving on the already harmful House version of the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” the Senate proposal goes even further, jeopardizing services that help people live independently and access critical care.
If passed, this legislation would devastate Missouri’s ability to deliver home and community-based services. It would increase waitlists, reduce access to care, and leave thousands of individuals and families without the support they need. Any federal funding cut would force Missouri to reduce its Medicaid investment, placing even more strain on an already overburdened system.
At Easterseals, we support more than 20,000 people and families across the Midwest every year. We see the power of consistent care and know how fragile the progress becomes when families face bureaucratic red tape and unaffordable costs.
Let’s be clear: Medicaid is essential. It supports more than just people with disabilities. It is a lifeline for parents, caregivers, therapists, educators, and direct care workers. In rural areas and regions with limited healthcare options, Medicaid is often the only access point for critical services. When it becomes harder to access, the consequences ripple across entire communities.
The proposed federal changes would cut off care for millions. It’s projected that 576,000 children and 110,000 people with disabilities could lose coverage. That doesn’t include caregivers, undiagnosed individuals, and others who depend on the system. And while some lawmakers argue for “work requirements,” the reality is most Medicaid recipients who can work already do. These proposals add red tape that causes people to lose care. Ironically, the Medicaid work requirement could cost the economy up to 449,000 jobs.
Beyond individual lives, Medicaid supports the broader health and stability of our communities. It helps prevent costly emergency room visits, reduces hospitalizations, and supports a vital workforce of healthcare professionals and caregivers.
Missouri’s senators Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt now face a critical decision that will directly affect the health, safety, and dignity of people with disabilities and the strength of Missouri families.
Instead of making Medicaid harder to access, Congress should invest in the systems that keep families healthy, employed, and hopeful.
Medicaid is one of the most effective tools we have to strengthen families and communities. It helps children grow and learn, allows caregivers to stay employed, and gives older adults and people with disabilities the chance to live independently. Weakening that system threatens the progress we’ve made toward opportunity for all.
Missouri deserves better. Our families deserve better. Senators Hawley and Schmitt must vote NO on any legislation that cuts Medicaid.
This post was originally authored and published by Wendy Sullivan from Missouri Independent via RSS Feed. Join today to get your news feed on Nationwide Report®.
