Garcia Wilburn stands with disability advocates against Medicaid waiver service cuts

Today, Aug. 15, State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) held a press conference with disability advocates to oppose the State of Indiana's proposed Medicaid waiver service cuts to recreational therapy.

Recreational therapy allows individuals with disabilities to build confidence, strengthen social connections, reach greater independence and more. The State is proposing capping recreational therapy service hours to just six hours a month for individuals on the Medicaid Community Integration and Habilitation (CIH) waiver, which would be a devastating blow to the Hoosiers who use these services and their families. Public comment for these changes closed last week after dozens of Hoosiers submitted testimony asking for the cuts to be reversed.

Garcia Wilburn was joined by Ashley Searcy, the mother of Sadie, a waiver recipient; Tyler Neimeyer, a certified recreational therapeutic specialist (CTRS); and Lori Schweyer, a CTRS. Advocates also attended the press conference to show their support for recreational therapy services.

"Recreational therapy services are not optional," Garcia Wilburn said. "Rather, they are a vital part of ensuring Hoosiers of all abilities lead their richest, most vibrant possible lives. The need for continued access to recreational therapy is urgent, and we simply cannot 'do more with less' when we essentially have been left with nothing. 

"My constituents with disabilities and their families benefit directly from recreational therapy and other disability services, especially when their child “ages out” of their parents’ health insurance and find themselves now in an income-qualified situation. They will be reliant on Medicaid for these services.

"For our disability community, health care is an issue that transcends income. If these cuts go through, families will need to start choosing between these vital services and other essentials like groceries and gas. That is unacceptable.

"These proposed caps may not even be legal. Previously when the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration tried to implement caps on therapy services, the proposal was found to be in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The court found that these arbitrary limits would cause people with disabilities to be segregated from their community.

"Finally, I want to talk about misplaced priorities and how this issue presents an opportunity for Indiana to find our way again. You will probably hear from the administration that these cuts were necessary amid a budget shortfall and the Medicaid shortfall from two years ago. However, we continue to find and use state dollars for creating more government oversight, and governmental roles in the executive branch.

"The money is there – it's just a question of whether we have the bravery to spend it where Hoosiers really need it or whether we will continue bending to the will of special interests. My friends in the disability community today have presented a compelling case for why they need to be a priority. Today, I call on Gov. Braun and his administration to do the right thing and prioritize Hoosiers. We can have a state where Hoosiers with disabilities lead their fullest possible lives – but only if we have the courage to put them first."