Dear legislators, please save Medicaid
Editor’s Note: We are publishing an open letter to US legislators to save Medicaid as it is the lifeline of persons with disabilities, the young and the old in the economically disadvantaged sectors of the US. This letter is penned by Priscilla Garces, a gentle and outspoken young leader diagnosed with blindness in her infancy.
Dear legislators,
My name is Priscilla Garces, and I am a disability advocate. Social protection programs, such as Medicaid, are essential for individuals with disabilities as they provide crucial support for daily living and integration into their communities. I was born three months prematurely, weighing one pound twelve ounces, due to medical complications resulting from excessive oxygen administration. I endured three months on a ventilator. Subsequently, my parents relocated from Ecuador to the United States in pursuit of improved treatment for my health condition and a better future.
Priscilla Garces - the lack of sight does not necessarily mean the lack of vision as a youth leader.
During my time in the United States, my parents sought treatment at John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, in hopes of correcting my Retinopathy of Prematurity through eye surgeries. Unfortunately, the surgical procedure did not restore my visual acuity, resulting in permanent and total blindness.
Priscilla with her doting mom Maria.
Access to services provided by the Commission of the Blind is paramount for individuals like me, as it provides documentation certifying the permanence of my blindness by a medical team of vision specialists. Concurrently, it offers services that facilitate the development of life skills for independence. Thanks to organizations like the Commission for the Blind, which provided me with assistive tools and support services, I was able to earn my master’s degree in Nonprofit leadership and development from Fordham University, a Professional Certificate in English-to-Spanish Translation from New York University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Diplomacy and International Relations from Seton Hall University. Since undergoing surgeries on both eyes, I have required regular check-ups to ensure the stability of my eye health throughout my life.
Health insurance, including Medicaid benefits, is a fundamental right for many individuals, particularly those with disabilities. Programs such as Medicaid are crucial for the over 1.6 million individuals with disabilities in New Jersey, and millions more throughout the United States, as they often necessitate life-saving surgeries and treatments. As a completely blind woman, I rely on additional support from programs like Medicaid or Medicare to access regular health and eye examinations, as well as necessary eye medications to maintain my eye health. When I contracted COVID-19, I required the utilization of telehealth services and prescribed medications to manage my condition. I was fortunate to have my mother by my side advocate for me by contacting my healthcare provider when I was unable to communicate due to persistent coughing fits.
Despite the slight delay in response, I was provided with access to treatment. Recently, I experienced severe eye pain and necessitated specialized medications to alleviate my condition. The elimination of programs like Medicaid or Medicare would deny millions of individuals with impairments or chronic conditions access to essential healthcare, housing, and assistive services. These programs provide vital services such as vision care, assistive technology, therapies, and direct support services that enhance mental well-being, independence, and quality of life for individuals like me.
Without these essential services, a substantial segment of the population would be excluded from living fulfilling and dignified lives. Cutting back on Medicaid is an unfair policy proposal that creates additional accessibility barriers because Medicaid is not just about the provision of healthcare; it is a social support system that focuses on the overall well-being beyond health. Medicaid and Medicare programs offer services that empower individuals with chronic conditions or impairments to reside independently in their homes with their families, attend school, and/or work while receiving direct support from service professionals who can assist them in completing essential daily living tasks.
Priscilla with retired Philippine Ambassador Mario de Leon Jr. at the Philippine Center in NYC.
Like many others, I strongly urge Congress and lawmakers to reconsider their proposed cuts to Medicaid or Medicare programs. These programs provide essential support services, assistive tools including access to medical care through telehealth durable medical equipment, medical transportation and essential therapies that enable individuals with lifelong disabilities including mental health disorders to achieve autonomy, participate fully in their daily lives, and enhance their independence and freedom.
I eagerly anticipate your positive response to this matter, which impacts on the lives of our communities, children, families, and individuals with disabilities and their caregivers. I can be reached via email at garcespr04@gmail.com.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I hope that my narrative will make its way to the doors of Capitol Hill and inspire policymakers to recognize the potential for positive change and make a decision that ensures the continued accessibility of social support programs, such as Medicaid.
Thank you.
Sincerely yours,
Priscilla Garces
