02/10/2025
My name is Glenn Wrightsman, and my life is deeply tied to Medicaid IDD funding. My 12-year-old son receives community-based services funded by Medicaid, which have been life-changing for him. Living in Fairbanks, we have very few options for individuals with disabilities—no YMCA, no real community centers, and extreme weather that makes outdoor activities difficult. Most venues now require payment just to sit inside. Because of Medicaid-funded services, my son—who has never had friends—has finally started building relationships.
Caring for a child with acute needs is overwhelming. Both my wife and I suffer from severe anxiety due to the challenges we face daily, and she has been hospitalized multiple times. I have worked with adults with disabilities for 22 years, yet nothing compares to the burden of supporting a child with disabilities at home. The thought that my son could end up in an institution instead of living in a community where he is loved and cherished is terrifying. No parent should have to face that fear.
Beyond my role as a father, I own a business that provides supports to adults with disabilities in Fairbanks and Anchorage through the Medicaid Home and Community-Based Waiver. We are currently engaged in a statewide rate review to secure adequate funding, but the prospect of budget cuts instead of expansions is appalling. As a provider, I struggle to offer competitive wages and benefits. We compete with McDonald's and Walmart for workers, yet our work requires specialized training and commitment. We can’t even match CNA wages, despite the similar level of care we provide.
I urge you to oppose any proposals that would reduce Medicaid funding, including block grants, per-capita caps, lowering the federal match rate, or rescinding enhanced funding for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). These changes would shift costs to states, leading to devastating cuts to community services, longer waitlists, and increased institutionalization—stripping people with disabilities of their dignity and independence.
Our communities thrive when all people, including those with I/DD, have the opportunity to develop skills, gain independence, and succeed. Medicaid is a lifeline for millions, and preserving its funding is critical to supporting individuals with disabilities, their families, and our communities.
Please reject any proposal that threatens Medicaid funding. The lives and futures of countless individuals depend on it.
Sincerely,
Glenn Wrightsman
