The Campaign to Protect Medicaid

United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) are running radio ads in Iowa and New Hampshire, educating listeners about the disastrous effects that Medicaid cuts would have on Americans with disabilities and their families. Without the services that Medicaid provides, many people with disabilities would be unable to work, contribute to their communities, and lead independent lives. For parents of people with disabilities, Medicaid services often make the difference between being able to work and having to go on public assistance—or make the choice to put a child in an institution. The ads are the first in a series of initiatives to reach out to conservatives and people of faith to join the fight to protect Medicaid.

• Listen to the ads on your right and read their transcripts below.
• Read the press release.

Sue Hetrick of Ohio, a mother of a son Micah, with Down syndrome

In Washington, the President and Congress are facing tough decisions about our nation’s debt.  But if they cut the debt by slashing Medicaid, millions of families like mine will face an even tougher choice. 

I’m Sue Hetrick.  My twenty-two year old son Micah was born with Down Syndrome. 

The professional care he gets through Medicaid makes it possible for me to work and support our family – and for Micah to live a full life…working two volunteer jobs and contributing to our community. 

Without that support, I’d have to give up my job, and the paycheck that comes with it – or Micah wouldn’t be able to live at home anymore. 

Either option would cost taxpayers more – and cost our family the chance to live productive, fulfilling lives. 

As a mother…a taxpayer….and a woman of faith, I pray we can fix our nation’s finances without hurting people with disabilities. 

We’re all God’s children and deserve a life with dignity.  Let’s make sure our leaders in Washington don’t forget it. 

(voiceover)
Paid for by United Cerebral Palsy and the American Association of People with Disabilities.

Father Tom Dunstan, a Catholic priest from New Hampshire

Whatever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me.

This is Father Tom Dunstan from Henniker, New Hampshire.

At churches across the country we heed that message, especially when it comes to helping out our neighbors with disabilities. 

But volunteers and charitable gifts alone, just aren’t enough, which is why Medicaid is so vital.  And if the folks in Washington try to cut the debt by slashing Medicaid, we will all bare responsibility for that tragedy.

Medicaid gives families in our community the tools to continue living their lives in dignity, and giving back to all of us in the community.

That might mean an in-home care aid who allows a parent to continue working to support the family.  Or it might provide the wheelchair that gets somebody to and from their job.

I pray we can fix our nation’s finances without robbing our brothers and sisters with disabilities of independence and dignity.

As God’s children we are called to serve one another.  Let’s make sure our leaders in Washington don’t forget it.  
 

(voiceover)
Paid for by United Cerebral Palsy and the American Association of People with Disabilities.