MEDICAID: Developmentally disabled can’t meet work requirement

When discussing Medicaid Expansion it is a misleading half-truth for Idaho Legislators to state that there are, “70,000 able-bodied people on the expansion” for two major reasons. First, as an example, some of the able-bodied are developmentally disabled and you often see them already working the required 20 hours a week in places such as grocery stores bagging your groceries. They work hard. Many are not able to drive, so they walk or ride a bike to work. These able-bodied workers are not “unfit” which they would have to be unjustly declared by a doctor to qualify for Medicaid as per HB345. They have difficulties and need Medicaid Expansion services and HB345 could kick them off assistance.  

The second misleading half-truth tries to make Idahoans think we would immediately save money with all 70,000 able-bodied people removed. If working the required 20 hours while developmentally disabled they will not be removed from the declared “70,000 able-bodied” and Idaho would not save the money assumed by the half-truth statement. If declared as unfit they won’t work at all and Idaho pays more. Idahoans voted and they support Medicaid Expansion and so should our Legislators. 

SUSAN SCULLY

Lewiston