1. United States
2. Wisc.
3. Letter

I am writing as a constituent and a caregiver to express my deep concern about the proposed $2.17 trillion in federal Medicaid spending cuts currently under consideration. I urge you to oppose these cuts, which would have devastating consequences for people like my brother and the millions of individuals and families who rely on Medicaid for their health and well-being. I am the live-in, full-time caregiver for my older brother, Wesley, who will be turning 40 in June. Wesley was born with multiple disabilities and has complex medical needs, including autism, ADHD, refractory epilepsy, a moderate intellectual disability, asthma, anxiety, and sleep apnea. He requires constant supervision due to his epilepsy, experiencing 3-4 breakthrough seizures weekly. These seizures range from absence seizures to fully convulsive episodes that leave him disoriented, vomiting, and unable to walk on his own. Medicaid has been an absolute lifeline for Wesley and our family. Through Wisconsin Medicaid and his Managed Care Organization (MCO), Wesley receives critical support, including: - Access to a day program and after-hours activities at SOAR Fox Cities, where he can socialize with peers and learn life skills, with Medicaid paying for a caregiver to accompany him due to his epilepsy. - Medical equipment such as a nebulizer, wheelchair, and shipments of adult disposable underwear, which are vital for his daily needs. - Respite camps at Easterseals, which provide him with enriching experiences while giving me time to recharge. - Transportation to and from his day program and respite camps, ensuring he remains connected to the community. - Long-term care services that allow him to remain at home, preserving his quality of life and saving the state money compared to institutional care. When our grandmother, his first primary caregiver, passed away in 2022, Medicaid enabled me to assume this role as his sister. Without this support, Wesley would likely be forced into a skilled nursing facility, which would not only be devastating for him but also place an even greater financial burden on the state. These proposed cuts would dismantle the very systems that allow Wesley—and millions like him—to live with dignity and independence. It is unthinkable what could happen to him and our family without robust Medicaid funding. In fact, I believe Medicaid is already woefully underfunded. Medicaid doesn’t just support individuals; it strengthens our entire community. It funds caregivers, small businesses, hospitals, mental health services, and more. It is the backbone of our healthcare system for people with disabilities, older adults, veterans, children, and families. I implore you to stand with your constituents and protect Medicaid from these devastating cuts. My brother’s life—and the lives of so many others—depend on it. Thank you for your time and attention to this critical matter.