People with disabilities are learning to tell their stories to convince legislators of the importance of Medicaid in their lives.
The non-profit ARC of Central Kentucky is giving them the tools they need to get their voices heard.
The fear in the room was palpable during a recent training session at the Lexington office of Arc, which supports folks with mental retardation and developmental delays.
For three hours advocates, family members and the disabled themselves told of what they see as the critical role of Medicaid support. But Jake Parsons was at ease as he told the story he had written himself.
“My name is Jake Parsons and I am 24 years old. I like to stay active in my community of Lexington, Ky. and I like playing soccer and baseball and I like the Lexington Legends.”
Jake also has two jobs, is a registered voter and hopes to one day live on his own.But Kentucky Protection and Advocacy Director Jeff Edwards says if Medicaid is slashed under the current healthcare bill many people with disabilities, like Jake, may have no options but living in institutions.
The bill being pushed by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is an effort to replace the Affordable Care Act, also commonly called Obamacare.