LETTER: Please protect Medicaid

Evan Schultz

Des Moines

Representative Nunn - I experienced a spinal cord injury in 2016 and am paralyzed from the chest down. I work for the Central Iowa Center for Independent Living as a peer support specialist. I’m on the board of the United Spinal Association and help lead a support group for individuals with spinal cord injuries in the Des Moines area.

With help from amazing home health aides and in-home nurses from Iowa Home Care, I receive assistance seven days a week. This includes help getting up, using the restroom, showering, getting dressed, preparing meals and more. I have been able to live my life independently and work in the community.

I enjoy spending time with friends and family, going to farmers markets and Iowa Cubs games, festivals, food and music downtown and drawing and painting at home.

Medicaid covers these in-home cares. Without Medicaid, I don’t know what would happen. Medicaid is the only insurance that covers in-home healthcare for disability and aging populations no matter their income. It is so much more cost-effective for individuals to stay in their own homes rather than being forced into institutions.

Please protect Medicaid; don’t cut it. Thank you.