Medicaid Helps With Everything

“Direct Support Professionals, funded by Medicaid, are essential. They help Clifton with everything, from bathing to eating.” - George, Clifton’s dad

Clifton's Medicaid Story

"Clifton is a social, happy, and helpful 36-year-old man with very limited abilities due to brain damage at birth. He is generally cooperative and tries his best to complete basic tasks when asked, taking pride in his accomplishments. He would love to have a real job. Unfortunately, Clifton’s abilities are too limited for him to complete even simple work without direct supervision. He requires 24-hour supervision and guidance for basic life tasks, including bathing, grooming, and socialization. His Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are his lifeline to the outside world and ensure his safety, nourishment, and happiness in his group home. His communication skills are very limited, and he relies on his support team to anticipate his needs and desires. He has difficulty adapting to change. I find it hard to imagine how frightening the complex world must be for him.

Medicaid indirectly supports the DSPs who care for individuals with disabilities. These dedicated professionals are not well-compensated and deserve more. Every dollar they earn directly benefits the local economy by supporting their families. These individuals are not taking extravagant vacations or purchasing luxury items. Medicaid is the fundamental financial support for Clifton, providing his group home, food, medical care, and 24-hour supervision, essentially his connection to the outside world. I also contribute significantly to Clifton’s care and to the Ray Graham Association (RGA), which supports him. However, it is impossible for me to provide the comprehensive care and supervision he needs and receives from RGA through Medicaid.

It’s important to note that Illinois, like most other states, has shifted from state-run care to private organizations such as RGA. Private care is overwhelmingly preferred by clients and families over state institutional care and costs significantly less. Without Medicaid support, the taxpayer cost for caring for individuals with disabilities would increase dramatically. 

What Does George Fear About Medicaid Cuts?

"I fully support current government efforts to eliminate fraud, waste, and inefficiency in the federal government, and I am certain that there are areas within Medicaid where savings can be found. However, aid to individuals with disabilities was the core purpose of Medicaid when it was originally established. While its scope has broadened considerably since then, funding for agencies like RGA is closely monitored and documented, leaving little room for waste or abuse.

My greatest fear is that Medicaid cuts will be implemented indiscriminately, harming those who cannot care for themselves or advocate for their own needs, rather than through carefully targeted reductions."