Being forced into an institution because of a disability or for being elderly and separated from our families is humanely cruel and unjust. No one knows how to provide the constant and loving care for a family member better than family. Disabled children, disabled adults, and the elderly are more likely to give up on life if forced into an institution. Institutions are not capable of providing the extensive care the disabled and elderly communities need and deserve. Dignity and respect for oneself rapidly diminishes.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s recent proposals threaten the continuation of Medicaid waiver programs that allow family members to be paid caregivers to their disabled loved ones. These programs not only prevent the need for institutionalization but also uphold the dignity and autonomy of our nation's most vulnerable citizens by allowing them to stay with family members who understand their needs best. 

Medicaid waiver programs have been a lifeline for countless families across the nation, providing a viable option for tailored, compassionate care that institutional settings simply cannot match. According to data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), home and community-based services are more cost-effective and result in higher satisfaction and better health outcomes for recipients as compared to institutional care settings. Not to mention, the shortage of staff, staff being underpaid, the abuse, neglect and inconsistency of care that institutions, nursing homes and other facilities that home the disabled and elderly citizens are notorious for. 

Family caregivers offer an irreplaceable and personalized level of care. They are familiar with the unique needs and routines of their loved ones, ensuring that they receive consistent and nurturing care. The emotional bond between family members and those they care for is critical in ensuring the best quality of life and mental well-being.

Instituting policies that support family-based care models is not just a matter of economic efficiency but also of empathy and humanity. We must act now to keep these vital programs in place and protect the rights of our disabled and elderly populations to live full, dignified lives surrounded by their families.

Sign this petition to urge policymakers to preserve Medicaid waiver-based programs, ensuring that families can continue to provide the loving and constant care that their disabled loved ones deserve. Together, we can stand against policies that threaten to tear apart families and diminish the quality of care for those who need it most.