1. United States
2. Wisc.
3. Letter

As your constituent, I urge you to press CMS to delay and revise its new Medicaid work requirements rule. This rule is deeply flawed because it makes it much harder for people with disabilities to qualify for an exemption. Under the new policy, having a disability or serious medical condition is no longer enough to be considered “medically frail.” Instead, people must also prove they cannot work because of that condition—even though CMS has not explained how states should make that determination. As a disabled person, I know that disability is not all-or-nothing. Many of us can work only with accommodations, have conditions that fluctuate, or face barriers like inaccessible workplaces. Others are unable to work but may struggle to prove it through a confusing bureaucratic process. This rule risks taking health care away from people who are legally eligible simply because the standards are unclear. Medicaid allows millions of people with disabilities to access health care, remain independent, pursue education, seek employment when they are able, and participate in their communities. Taking away health coverage because of confusing paperwork or an overly restrictive definition of “medical frailty” will only make those goals harder to achieve. Please urge CMS to delay implementation of this rule and develop clear, fair standards that protect people with disabilities instead of putting our health coverage at risk. Thank you for your consideration.