More than 80 disability activists, civic leaders, and community members attended our virtual forum exploring the importance of Medicaid to independent living for people with disabilities.

(Read full release on STLtoday)

Last week, we hosted community forum with disability activists Ellie Stitzer and Gabriella Garbero as part of our ongoing Community Voices for Medicaid initiative aimed at educating Missourians about the importance of Medicaid to the health and well-being of people with disabilities.

Public policy and advocacy specialist Sarah Schwegel moderated the event, which started with Ellie and Gabriella sharing a bit about growing up with a disability, their experiences in school, and their relationships with family, friends, and mentors.  From there, the conversation shifted into the Medicaid application and renewal process, and the program’s central role in keeping the panelists out of nursing homes.  The complications and frustrations people with disabilities often face as they navigate the system, including oppressive income and asset limits, system errors resulting in lost coverage, and low wages that make it hard to find and retain quality personal care attendants (PCAs), were also discussed.  Afterwards, State Representative Sarah Unsicker commented, “I’m glad I went because I learned more about the lives of people with spinal muscular atrophy and hearing personal stories is important to making good policy.”

If you missed this awesome educational opportunity, you can access the recorded webinar here.