Not a Maine Resident? Click the Petition Updates tab to see how you can help.

Maine Residents - I am writing to ask you to “Fight For Uncle Mark” and Maine’s most vulnerable special needs community by signing this petition to the Appropriations Committee asking them to oppose the elimination of bed funding for private non-medical institutions from MaineCare.

I was shocked and appalled to hear of these cuts. While Gov. LePage’s budget proposal seems aimed at reducing government waste and putting a stop to people taking advantage of the system, Uncle Mark and other Maine residents with multiple special needs rely on PNMIs to provide 24/7 care – care that their families are unable (not unwilling) to meet by themselves. This description does not seem to me to be a waste of government funds.

I am not sure you realize the impact these cuts will have on people in Uncle Mark’s situation. Uncle Mark has Down’s syndrome, mental retardation and Alzheimer’s disease, making ongoing care extraordinarily complex. If the budget cuts pass, Uncle Mark will be discharged to the care of family who are not trained or financially prepared to provide the type of care Uncle Mark requires on a consistent basis. This care would continue until Uncle Mark’s medical condition deteriorates to the point where he becomes eligible for 24/7 nursing care. At that point, he could be added to a waiting list (expected to be very long) for dementia care.

I urge you advocate on behalf of Uncle Mark and other Maine residents with special needs whose families are unable to give them what they need to thrive. Thank you for your time and consideration. You can read more about Uncle Mark and help share his story at http://fightforunclemark.wordpress.com.