Connecting Through Advocacy
Mike and Audi are two of our dedicated Employment Specialists, committed to supporting Medicaid advocacy at Chrysalis. They’ve even set up writing stations around the building, encouraging peers and participants to connect with their local representatives. We asked them to share a moment of reflection on their efforts and what Medicaid advocacy means to them:
- What are the main concerns you hear from participants about the potential loss of Medicaid coverage?
A: Not qualifying for services and losing medical insurance coverage is probably the biggest concern for folks I have talked with. I also have folks who fear that they will be forced to work full time when they feel they are not ready for that, given their mental health barriers
M: Many people hear about proposals for MA cuts and are worried that they will ‘lose Medicaid’ altogether. Given the lack of specificity in the proposals so far, they feel justified in their fears. This particularly applies to people on Badgercare and MAPP, who are often aware of the ‘special’ nature of their eligibility. People are concerned about the impact of cuts on their mental and physical health. Hearing about possible ‘work requirements’, people point out that they need health insurance to be in a fit state to look for work, rather than as a motivator to get them to work.
- In your view, what are the most meaningful outcomes of participant advocacy efforts?
A: Protecting and expanding funding to ensure individuals do not lose access to services.
M: a) Policy change b) Good quality info for everyone affected by policies c) More effective actions by people affected by policies d) Greater responsiveness by elected representatives to the needs of people affected e) Greater readiness on the part of people affected to act politically in the future
- What worries you the most about how Medicaid changes might impact Chrysalis as an organization?
A: Individuals that we serve, losing access to services. We have already seen this with CRS to some extent, as we are limiting new referrals. Also, staff losing their jobs is a big concern.
M: Inability to provide services and even greater amounts of time spent in obtaining funding.
- Why do you believe engaging participants in Medicaid advocacy is important?
A: In the system that we work within it is very Important that people and politicians can see the impact that different services and programs have on people. Organizing and standing up for things that are important to you is a vital component to our democracy. We could see this in effect at the recent strike that Meriter nurses participated in.
M: Stories from people affected by policies can be effective in changing the votes of some elected reps, as we know from the efforts to stop the repeal of the ACA. People want to respond to what they hear in the news, but do not have the tools easily available. Once people start to act politically, they tend to continue.
The opinions of constituents expressed in individual letters rather than using campaign materials are most effective. We are in a great position at Chrysalis to facilitate this, given our face-to-face contact with MA recipients in relationships of trust.
