COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Kyle Garvey, a Columbus resident with cerebral palsy, is voicing concerns over potential Medicaid cuts that could drastically impact his life. Garvey fears that proposed cuts to the welfare program could jeopardize his independence.
“It’s just very cruel to gamble with my life,” Garvey said, expressing his anxiety over discussions on Capitol Hill about reducing Medicaid funding to finance tax breaks.
Garvey lives in a facility funded by Medicaid, where he lives in his own apartment with wheelchair access to the common courtyard. He received services up to ten hours a day to help him with daily tasks like bathing, dressing and eating meals.
Garvey’s apprehensions are shared by many in Ohio, where more than 25% of the population depends on Medicaid. The state currently receives 65 cents for every dollar it invests in the program. However, the proposed state budget suggests dropping a significant number of recipients if federal funding decreases, putting low-income individuals at risk.
Jennifer Kucera from Olmstead is also wheelchair bound and testified in the Ohio Statehouse in February about possible cuts.
“It’s a really scary world that I live in right now,” Kucera said. “With one swipe of a pen on the federal level or the state level, I know that what I use to survive in my life and the reason I can be here today is because of Medicaid.”
Despite assurances from some Republicans, including those from Ohio, that Medicaid services will not be cut but rather focus on eliminating fraud, waste, and abuse, Garvey remains skeptical.
“Do you believe them?” asked ABC6 News.
” No. Not really,” responded Garvey.
Before budgets are finalized, Garvey is urging lawmakers to preserve Medicaid, fearing the consequences if they proceed with the proposed changes.
