The changes that have been made and not been made have greatly affected myself and other individuals. The relatively low federal maximum Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment, which is $967 per month in Oregon for individuals as of 2025, has been shown to negatively affect the health of recipients. The maximum benefit is often insufficient to cover basic living expenses, forcing people with disabilities to live in poverty or near-poverty conditions, which impacts their physical and mental well-being.Can we not raise this number to 1,400 for a single individual and higher for a couple? We have all seen those majore affects over the years with an increase in mental illness and homelessness . 

 

Health impacts of low SSI payments are and not limited to,

 

Worsening medical conditions: 

An inadequate income can leave recipients with difficult choices between paying for food, housing, and their medical needs. This can result in skipping medication doses, delaying, or forgoing doctor appointments, and being unable to afford medical treatment for various issues ,medical equipment or assistive devices. For example, a 2018 Stanford study found that Social Security Disability Insurance payments (which are often combined with SSI) help reduce mortality, suggesting that benefit amounts are an important factor in recipients' health.

 

Mental health issues: 

The constant financial stress of living on a low, fixed income is a major contributor to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. For many, the high cost of living compared to the benefit amount leads to food and housing insecurity, which are significant stressors. A 2023 study found that disabled youth who lost SSI benefits were more likely to have untreated depression and anxiety.

 

Food insecurity:

 Limited income can lead to food insecurity and poor nutrition, which are particularly harmful for people with chronic health conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Many SSI recipients depend on food assistance programs to make ends meet.

 

Housing instability: 

A low fixed income makes it difficult for recipients to afford safe and stable housing, especially in states with a high cost of living. This can force them into unsuitable or institutionalized living arrangements. If a beneficiary lives with a family member who helps with expenses, their SSI benefit may be reduced, creating a "heartbreaking dilemma" that can force people out of their homes for fear of losing vital benefits.

 

Undermined access to care: 

Because most SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid, it provides a crucial link to health coverage. However, the program's strict income and asset rules can sometimes undermine this access. 

For example, some proposals have threatened to cut benefits for people living with family, creating a precarious situation for those who rely on family support to live independently. Limitations of the federal benefit

Inadequate Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA): While the SSI benefit increases annually with a COLA, critics argue that the formula used does not adequately reflect the specific costs that affect people with disabilities, such as healthcare and accessible transportation. The 2025 COLA was 2.5%, but this does not keep pace with the real costs that low-income people experience. Ive already been cut because I now make to much with my Social Security Disability income a month, I'm over the income limit to be dually eligible,  thereforeI am denied much needed care and monitoring. My health is now at risk as well as my financial stability. I have a complex medical history and suffer from multiple health conditions Sijogrens being one. 

Strict resource limits: 

SSI eligibility requires beneficiaries to have very limited assets, a maximum of $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. Which also can change state to state. These low limits make it difficult to save money for emergencies, medical expenses, or other life improvements without risking the loss of benefits. It makes it extremely hard to be independent, to own or purchase a home.

 

How QMB works in Oregon

What QMB covers: 

The QMB program pays for your Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and co-pays.

What QMB does not cover: The QMB program does not provide coverage for medical services, prescriptions (that's handled by your Part D plan), or dental, vision, and hearing care.

OHP with Limited Drug: Some people with QMB also have OHP with Limited Drug, which covers medical, dental, and behavioral health care services that Medicare doesn't cover.  

When OHP is no longer available to disabled medicare recipients, they no longer are covered or can afford dental, vison or hearing. They are also limited on what type of care and treatments they receive, like laser light therapy, message therapy or acupuncture for different health issues and pain, especially someone with chronic conditions or immune disorders. For a person with chronic conditions like  Sijogrens, Lupus, Hashimoto's,  chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS)  etc. who is on Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), having dental, vision, and hearing insurance is critical for several reasons. The chronic inflammatory and autoimmune nature of their conditions directly raises the risk for complications affecting the mouth, eyes, and ears. At risk for lymphoma and other organs. Additionally, the medications used to manage these diseases often have side effects that further damage dental and sensory health. 

Dental health is vital, not just cosmetic, because it enables essential functions like eating and speaking, prevents pain and tooth loss, and is linked to overall systemic health, including conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Poor oral health can lead to chronic pain, impaired nutrition, reduced productivity, and even affect pregnancy outcomes. Functional Benefits

Eating and Digestion: Properly aligned teeth allow for efficient chewing, which is the first step in proper digestion and nutrient absorption. 

 

Speaking: 

Healthy teeth and gums are necessary for clear speech and emotional expression. 

Systemic Health & Prevention

 

Reduced Risk of Systemic Illness:

 Studies show a connection between poor oral health and an increased risk of serious conditions such as cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes, and diabetes.

 

Early Detection of Serious Diseases:

 Regular dental check-ups are opportunities for dentists to screen for and detect oral cancer and other systemic diseases in their early, most treatable stages. 

 

Pregnancy and Childbirth: Poor oral health is linked to higher risks of pre-term deliveries and low-birth weight infants. 

 

Quality of Life

Pain Prevention: Addressing dental problems prevents pain and discomfort associated with cavities, gum disease, and other issues.

 

Improved Mental and Social Well-being: 

Noted by Musso Family Dentistry. A healthy, confident smile can boost self-esteem and positively impact social and professional interactions.

 

Overall Wellness: 

Investing in dental care is an investment in your overall health, creating a strong foundation for a healthier, more vibrant life.

 

Vision appointments are important regardless of income and disability because they are critical for maintaining overall health, preventing vision loss, catching other serious health conditions, and enabling children to learn. Many serious eye diseases develop without noticeable symptoms in their early stages, making regular checkups vital for early detection and treatment. 

Vision appointments are important because they provide critical preventative care that can protect overall health, prevent permanent vision loss, and save money on future medical costs. Many serious eye and systemic health conditions have no noticeable symptoms in their early stages and can only be detected during a comprehensive eye exam. 

Eye health and preventative care

 

Early detection of serious eye diseases: 

Regular eye exams are the only way to detect eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration in their earliest stages. Early treatment can often slow or halt the progression of these diseases and prevent permanent vision loss.

 

Correction of vision problems:

 Undiagnosed or uncorrected vision problems can affect a person's ability to drive, read, and work effectively. Regular exams ensure that prescriptions for glasses or contacts are up-to-date, preventing unnecessary eye strain, headaches, and other related issues.

 

Monitoring chronic conditions:

 Eye appointments are crucial for monitoring chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, which can damage the delicate blood vessels in the eye. For example, diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness in American adults, and regular eye exams can detect and manage it early. 

Overall health detection

The eyes offer a unique, non-invasive view of the body's vascular system, which can reveal signs of other serious health problems. Eye doctors are often the first to identify signs of conditions such as: 

Diabetes: 

The small blood vessel changes from diabetes are often first visible in the eye.

 

High blood pressure: Changes to the retina's blood vessels can signal hypertension.

 

High cholesterol: 

A yellow or blue ring around the cornea can be a sign of high cholesterol.

Autoimmune diseases and even certain cancers and tumors. 

Long-term cost savings

Avoiding eye appointments can seem like a way to save money in the short term, but it often leads to higher costs down the road. 

 

Less expensive early treatment: 

Treating eye diseases in their early stages is significantly less costly than managing them after they have progressed and caused severe damage.

 

Reduced medical expenses: 

By detecting and managing chronic conditions early, regular eye exams can help individuals avoid the extensive and costly treatment required for advanced-stage disease.

 

Increased productivity: Forgoing vision care can result in eye strain and fatigue, impacting a person's quality of life and productivity at work

Hearing appointments are vital because early detection and treatment of hearing loss are crucial for maintaining overall physical and mental health. Regular check-ups help preserve communication skills, cognitive function, and quality of life. Since hearing care can be expensive, insurance coverage is essential to help reduce the financial burden of hearing tests, hearing aids, and other assistive devices. 

 

Why hearing appointments are important

 

They protect against other health complications 

Untreated hearing loss is not an isolated problem; it is connected to a range of serious health conditions. 

Cognitive decline: Hearing loss forces the brain to work harder to process sound, diverting energy from other essential cognitive functions. Studies show a strong link between untreated hearing loss and an increased risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.

 

Cardiovascular disease: Heart disease can restrict blood flow to the inner ear, permanently damaging the delicate hair cells responsible for hearing. Hearing appointments can sometimes reveal cardiovascular issues before other symptoms appear.Increased fall risk: The inner ear is integral to both hearing and balance. Untreated hearing loss can affect balance and spatial awareness, significantly increasing the risk of falls.

 

Diabetes:

 Elevated blood sugar levels can damage the small blood vessels and nerves throughout the body, including those in the inner ear. People with diabetes are twice as likely to have hearing loss. 

They improve mental and social well-being 

Addressing hearing loss has significant positive effects on a person's quality of life. 

Reduced social isolation: Untreated hearing loss can make social situations frustrating and exhausting, causing many to withdraw from friends, family, and activities.

 

Lower risk of depression and anxiety:

 The social isolation caused by hearing loss can lead to feelings of loneliness, which is strongly linked to depression and anxiety.

Enhanced communication: Hearing aids and other treatments make it easier to participate in conversations at home and in the workplace, strengthening relationships and improving job performance. They help address other ear-related issues

Hearing appointments also address related conditions that can affect your hearing. 

 

Tinnitus:

 A persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears often accompanies hearing loss. A hearing professional can help manage and treat tinnitus.

 

Balance disorders: Problems in the inner ear's vestibular system can cause balance issues like vertigo, which can also be addressed during an appointment. 

 

Why insurance coverage is necessary

Hearing care costs can be significant 

Without insurance, the financial cost of hearing care can be a major barrier to getting treatment.

 

Hearing tests: 

The cost of a diagnostic hearing exam varies, but a comprehensive audiometry test can cost over $100 without coverage. While cheaper screenings are available, they may not provide the detailed information an audiologist needs.

 

Hearing aids: 

These devices are often considered non-essential medical devices by traditional health plans, meaning many insurance policies do not cover them. The cost of a single hearing aid can range from $1,000 to $4,000, with a pair costing up to $7,000 without insurance.

 

Ongoing care: 

This includes follow-up appointments, device maintenance, repairs, and batteries, all of which add to the long-term expense. 

Insurance makes essential care affordable 

Coverage helps make life-changing hearing care accessible and manageable. 

 

Reduced out-of-pocket costs:

 Insurance can cover the cost of diagnostic exams and provide allowances or discounts toward the purchase of hearing aids, significantly lowering your overall financial burden.

 

Why ENT visits are important and the surgery for septorhinoplasty is important and should also be covered in plans.

 

A septorhinoplasty should be covered by insurance because it is often medically necessary, correcting functional issues like severe breathing problems, recurrent sinus infections, chronic nosebleeds, and sleep disorders caused by a deviated septum or other structural nasal abnormalities. These conditions negatively impact a patient's quality of life, and when the surgery is performed to alleviate these specific medical problems rather than for purely cosmetic reasons, it is considered a medically necessary procedure, not a cosmetic one. Why a Septorhinoplasty Is Medically Necessary

Corrects Structural Nasal Problems: A deviated septum, nasal valve collapse, or other structural abnormalities can block airflow and lead to significant breathing difficulties. 

Treats Chronic Sinus Issues: A deviated septum can contribute to recurrent sinus infections, which may not respond to medical or antibiotic treatment. 

Alleviates Chronic Nosebleeds: A septal deformity can be the cause of recurrent epistaxis (nosebleeds). 

Addresses Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Improved nasal breathing can reduce snoring and symptoms of sleep apnea. 

Improves Overall Health and Quality of Life: By improving nasal breathing, the procedure can enhance athletic performance, help regulate blood pressure, and significantly improve a person's daily life and sleep quality. An ill-fitting nose or a structural defect can create medical issues when combined with the constant pressure from wearing glasses. The weight of eyeglasses, even if they seem light, can cause significant problems for people with vulnerable nasal structures. 

The nose bridge and surrounding tissues are very delicate and have a high concentration of sensitive nerve endings, including branches of the trigeminal nerve. When frames apply constant or uneven pressure to this area, it can trigger nerve irritation, leading to: 

Chronic facial and nasal pain.

Tension headaches and even migraines.

Restricted blood flow to the area, which can cause bruising, permanent indentations, and damage to capillaries.

Aggravated sinus pressure, particularly for individuals with existing sinus issues. 

Structural issues addressed by functional rhinoplasty 

Functional rhinoplasty is not about altering the nose's appearance, but about correcting the underlying anatomical problems that lead to pain and discomfort. The procedure can address conditions such as: 

 

Deviated septum:

This occurs when the cartilage and bone dividing the nostrils are off-center. A severely deviated septum can not only restrict breathing but can also create an uneven bridge, causing glasses to sit improperly and place excessive pressure on one side of the nose. A septoplasty, which realigns the septum, is a common component of functional rhinoplasty.

 

Crooked nasal bones: Nasal bones that have healed improperly after a fracture or trauma can create an uneven surface. This can make it impossible for glasses to sit correctly, leading to constant pressure and irritation.

 

Underdeveloped or damaged nasal bridge:

 The bridge of the nose may be too weak or narrow to support glasses properly. In such cases, a surgeon can use cartilage grafts to build up the bridge, creating a stable platform for glasses and relieving pressure. 

 

For a person, like myself with several complex chronic conditions like connective tissue disease, Hashimoto's, and chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS), just to name a few who is on Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), having dental, vision, and hearing insurance is critical for several reasons.

 The chronic inflammatory and autoimmune nature of their conditions directly raises the risk for complications affecting the mouth, eyes, and ears and sinuses. Additionally, the medications used to manage these diseases often have side effects that further damage dental and sensory health. 

A variety of eye issues are associated with connective tissue disorders, including severe dry eye, inflammation of the sclera (scleritis), retinal vasculitis, and optic neuritis, all of which could potentially lead to vision loss.

 

CRPS: 

Some CRPS patients report vision changes like blurred or double vision, eye pain, and extreme light sensitivity. These symptoms are thought to be caused by dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system.

Medication side effects: Many of the medications used to treat chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases can impact eye health. For example, long-term use of corticosteroids can contribute to cataracts and glaucoma.

 

High risk for falls:

 Vision loss in older adults or those with mobility issues is a major risk factor for falls. For someone with chronic conditions, a fall could be especially dangerous, so maintaining good vision is essential for safety. 

 

Connection to underlying conditions:

Hashimoto's disease: There is a known connection between Hashimoto's and sensorineural hearing loss, which is caused by damage to the inner ear. Some research also links Hashimoto's to autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED). Hearing loss can sometimes improve with optimal treatment for hypothyroidism.

 

Connective tissue disease: Some connective tissue diseases are linked to hearing loss, including both sensorineural (inner ear damage) and conductive (middle ear issues) types. For example, the inner ear's vascular supply is vulnerable to damage from inflammation and circulation issues common in these conditions.

 

Impaired quality of life: Untreated hearing loss can lead to social isolation, depression, and a reduced quality of life, which is already a risk for people living with chronic pain and disability.

Financial constraints: Standard Medicare does not cover routine hearing care or hearing aids, and getting these devices can be extremely expensive, making insurance a necessity for someone on a fixed income. 

Necessity for someone on SSDI

Living on SSDI means having a fixed, limited income, which makes covering expensive medical costs like dental work, glasses, or hearing aids extremely difficult without additional insurance.

 Having dedicated coverage is necessary to: 

Prevent complications: Proactive and routine care for dental, vision, and hearing health is much less expensive than treating serious, untreated problems down the line.

 

Preserve quality of life: Maintaining your ability to see, hear, and chew effectively is crucial for staying independent, socially engaged, and healthy, all of which are vital for someone managing chronic conditions.

 

Address direct disease impacts: The chronic conditions themselves create specific vulnerabilities in dental, vision, and hearing health, making specialized insurance not a luxury but a critical component of managing their overall health. Health insurance is critical for a person with multiple chronic and debilitating conditions, especially when living on a very limited fixed income. For someone like me with a High SS-B antibodies, connective tissue disease, Hashimoto's hypothyroidism, chronic pain, and other issues, the risk of staggering medical debt is extremely high without insurance. For an individual with multiple severe chronic conditions and a fixed income, obtaining more than Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) status is critical for managing overall health and financial well-related costs. While QMB covers Medicare cost-sharing, full Medicaid coverage (often called "QMB Plus" for dual-eligible individuals) provides essential benefits that Medicare and QMB do not. Limitations of QMB coverage

The QMB program pays for Medicare Part A and B premiums, deductibles, and copayments, including those under a Medicare Advantage plan. However, QMB alone does not cover services that Medicare typically excludes. 

For someone with your health profile, this gap in coverage could leave you without financial assistance for vital treatments.

Benefits of having full Medicaid beyond QMB

1. Covers non-Medicare services

Full Medicaid covers many services that Medicare does not, which is especially important for the comprehensive medical issues you face.

 

 This can include: 

Dental care: 

Managing chronic inflammation may require dental visits not covered by standard Medicare.

Routine vision services: The "dry eyes blurring" symptom can be managed with routine eye exams and glasses that are not covered.

 

Hearing aids: 

With "borderline hearing in the right ear," full Medicaid can help cover the cost of hearing aids, which can be expensive.

 

Non-Medicare-covered therapies: 

While Medicare covers some medically necessary therapies, full Medicaid may cover or help with the costs of therapies for chronic pain, such as the massage and acupuncture mentioned. 

2. Access to broader care and long-term services

Full Medicaid can cover services that help you manage chronic conditions and prevent more costly interventions down the road.

 Long-term care: 

Services like nursing home care and home- and community-based care, which may be needed for severe, chronic conditions, are often covered by Medicaid but not by Medicare.For someone with numerous chronic illnesses, the cost of medications could easily exceed their monthly disability income. 

 

Reduced drug costs: 

Extra Help eliminates or lowers your monthly Part D premium, deductible, and copayments for prescriptions, offering substantial financial relief.

 

CRPS is a debilitating condition:

 CRPS ( chronic regional pain syndrome) involves severe, persistent pain that significantly impairs daily function and quality of life. As a pain management technique, the requested therapies ( laser light /red light therapy, massage therapy and acupuncture)are medically necessary to alleviate this chronic pain.For individuals with chronic, complex conditions, autoimmune diseases, and connective tissue disorders, integrative therapies like massage, red light therapy, and acupuncture can be important for managing persistent symptoms, addressing underlying issues, and improving overall quality of life. Since conventional medicine may have limitations in treating these multifaceted conditions, these complementary approaches offer non-invasive, drug-free options with minimal side effects. 

Benefits of massage therapy

Massage therapy can provide significant benefits for people with chronic conditions by improving both physical and psychological well-being. 

Reduces stress and improves mental health: The physical and emotional burden of chronic illness can cause stress and a feeling of disconnection from one's body. Massage lowers cortisol (the stress hormone) and can help patients feel more connected with their bodies in a positive way.This improves cellular function, promotes tissue repair and regeneration, and can help heal damaged connective tissue.

Eases chronic pain: Red light therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing chronic pain associated with conditions such as fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and other musculoskeletal issues. Its analgesic effects are achieved by reducing inflammation and improving circulation.

Boosts circulation: By stimulating the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) and widening existing ones (vasodilation), red light therapy can enhance blood flow to affected tissues. This is crucial for healing and waste removal. 

Benefits of acupuncture

Acupuncture, a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), involves inserting fine needles into specific points to balance the body's energy and trigger natural healing responses. 

Provides natural pain relief: Acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system to release natural painkillers, such as endorphins. It can also modulate nerve transmission to alter the perception of pain, making it an effective treatment for chronic pain conditions.

Reduces inflammation: From a Western perspective, acupuncture is thought to reduce systemic inflammation. It has been shown to reduce inflammatory cells in some conditions and is recognized by organizations like the World Health Organization for treating chronic inflammatory issues.

 

Promotes relaxation and balances the nervous system:

 Chronic pain and illness can put the body in a constant state of "fight-or-flight." Acupuncture can help regulate the nervous system, shifting it towards a more relaxed state. This helps reduce stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances often associated with chronic conditions.

Holistic well-being: Acupuncture treats the whole person, not just the symptoms. For people with complex, chronic illnesses, this holistic approach can address the physical, emotional, and social aspects of their health. 

 

The distinction between having QMB with and without full Medicaid is crucial for services not covered by Medicare. 

QMB only:

 If you only have QMB and not full Medicaid (sometimes called "QMB Only"), you are financially responsible for any services that are not covered by Medicare. Providers can bill you for these specific services.

 

QMB Plus:

 If you are also eligible for full Medicaid benefits (making you "dual-eligible"), you get the added benefit of Medicaid potentially covering some services that Medicare does not, such as routine dental, vision, and hearing care. But because the figure of $967 is the federal maximum monthly payment for an individual receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), effective January 1, 2025. SSI is a needs-based program that provides income for aged, blind, or disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources. Individuals like myself are now at big risk of our physical and mental well-being as well as financially. I would like petition, these changes

To better help the disabled and senior individuals like myself. To increase the limit for eligibility and to help with additional benefits that have been wrongfully considered cosmetic limiting much needed prevention and treatment.

$967 is insufficient for basic necessities like housing, food, and medical care. The maximum monthly federal SSI payment of $967 for an individual for 2025 is below the federal poverty line for a single person.

Outdated limits: 

The limits for an individual's countable income ($2,000) and resources ($2,000 for an individual, $3,000 for a couple) have not been adjusted for inflation since 1989.

Unrealistic assumptions: SSI calculations often assume that family members who share a household will provide financial support, which leads to benefit reductions. This is known as "in-kind support and maintenance" and can reduce a person's monthly payment by one-third. While food is no longer included in these calculations as of late 2024, living with family can still penalize recipients.

How low SSI payments affect recipients

 

Financial instability: 

The low payments are intended to provide only a "minimum"income for basic needs, such as food and shelter, but they are insufficient to cover the actual cost of living in most areas. Recipients often struggle to pay for necessities, forcing them into a cycle of poverty.

 

Difficulty managing complex rules:

 SSI recipients and their families must navigate complex rules and reporting requirements. Families can face difficult choices, such as whether to ask for rent from a disabled adult child, which would impact their SSI benefit, or whether to risk benefit cuts by providing shelter for free.

 

Hindering independence: The strict income and resource limits can create a disincentive to save money or work. Recipients who increase their income may see their SSI benefits reduced dollar-for-dollar, or risk losing their eligibility entirely. While some work incentives exist, they can be complex and difficult to use.

Increased risk of homelessness: 

The struggle to afford rent and other expenses puts many SSI recipients at increased risk of homelessness. Regardless if they have a housing voucher or not.

Vulnerability to policy changes: 

Recipients are vulnerable to changes in policy that could further reduce their benefits, such as a potential proposal to change which low-income households are considered exempt from the "in-kind support" rule. 

With increased and rising costs of living, especially housing in many areas, make it difficult to survive on the SSI payment. Even with housing assistance.

I ask you today on behalf of myself and possibly hundreds, to thousands if not millions of people to please reconsider and make the necessary changes to help me and individuals like myself, with similar to worse conditions and limited resources and financial stability in order to continue receiving already established care to continued and preventative care needed

As someone who has personally faced the challenges of securing adequate healthcare coverage under current policies, I have experienced firsthand the limitations and barriers imposed by the existing Medicaid income limits for disabled individuals. This is not only a personal struggle but a widespread issue affecting countless disabled individuals who rely on Medicaid and Medicare for their health needs.

Currently, the income limits set for Medicaid eligibility are outdated and fail to reflect the real cost of living and inflation rates faced by individuals with disabilities. These limits often prevent access to necessary healthcare services and place undue financial strain on vulnerable populations. We need to raise these income limits so that disabled individuals can receive the comprehensive care they require without compromising their financial stability.

Furthermore, it's crucial to expand the range of treatments and procedures covered by Medicaid and Medicare. Medical care should be based on patient needs and medical necessity rather than restrictive coverage policies. By broadening the scope of coverage, we can ensure that all patients receive the care they need, which is essential for improving health outcomes and quality of life.

According to recent statistics, over 10 million disabled individuals in the United States rely Medicare, many of whom are negatively impacted by these restrictive income limits and coverage gaps. A change is long overdue.

We call upon policymakers at the federal level to take immediate action to raise the Medicaid income limits for disabled individuals and expand Medicare coverage to include a wider range of essential treatments and services. This reform is critical to addressing the growing healthcare needs of our community and to ensuring all individuals have access to fair and necessary healthcare services.

Please sign this petition to advocate for these necessary changes and to show your support for a healthcare system that truly meets the needs of its most vulnerable members.