#AdvocacyMatters: A Crucial Impact

February 20, 2026 / #AdvocacyMatters

Beyond the headlines and political rhetoric, Medicaid offers crucial coverage to children, older adults, and people with disabilities. Ohio covers nearly 3 million children, adults, and older adults through the state’s Medicaid program, and 700,000 of those are covered by Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act.

New legislation is projected to reduce federal Medicaid spending by $911 billion over the next decade, putting these vital programs at risk. These cuts put the healthcare of 70 million Americans – including millions of people with disabilities – in jeopardy. More than 13 million people could lose coverage entirely.

“For me especially, Medicaid’s Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) has been a lifeline to independence,” DRO Board of Directors Chair Matt O’Nesti shared. “This service is responsible for paying the direct care supports (DSPs) who have empowered me to live on my own.”

Medicaid funding covers more than just simple health care. It also provides opportunities like helping people remain a part of their communities, helping people go to work, and helping people with education.

“True independence is the ability to live without restraints…especially those that able-bodied people do not have to think about,” O’Nesti concluded. “Direct care supports and the Medicaid waiver that supported me lifted those restraints.”

As these changes come into focus, we will continue to advocate and educate about the importance of the services Medicaid provides.

#AdvocacyMatters