EC Wisconsin News

The Energy and Commerce Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives has completed its review of a section of the federal budget reconciliation bill. The current draft proposes cutting $715 billion from Medicaid over the next decade, potentially causing 13.7 million people to lose their health insurance coverage due to reductions in Medicaid and changes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This would represent the largest reduction in Medicaid funding to date.

The proposed cuts could severely affect essential services that millions of Americans depend on, including those provided by Ascend Services, Inc. Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), which enable older adults and individuals with disabilities to live independently rather than in institutional settings, are particularly at risk.

Medicaid funds both mandatory and optional services. While states must finance mandatory services such as nursing homes and institutional care, optional services like HCBS face potential reductions when budgets are constrained. Currently, half of all optional Medicaid spending supports HCBS programs such as Family Care, IRIS, and CLTS in Wisconsin, targeting vulnerable populations.

In Wisconsin alone:

- Over 80,000 individuals rely on HCBS programs for necessary care.

- 86% of spending on Medicaid optional services benefits older adults and people with disabilities.

- Reductions or reinstated waiting lists could eliminate access to these crucial services.

Ascend Services, Inc., a long-standing provider in Manitowoc County for nearly 70 years serving over 250 individuals with vital support, warns that any Medicaid cuts would severely impact those who depend on their services.

"For the populations we serve, this could mean uncertainty, waitlists, and loss of access to essential care," stated Deanna Genske, Executive Director of Ascend Services Inc. She urged legislators to acknowledge the damaging effects these proposed cuts could have on communities. "Now is the time to act," she emphasized.

Ascend Services aims to foster individual growth by offering community experiences, education, and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Deanna Genske

Executive Director

Ascend Services, Inc

2818 Meadow Lane

Manitowoc

920-682-4663 Ext. 111