Article Summary –
Chelsea Anders relies on Medicaid to afford the medical care necessary for her daughter Olivia, who has cerebral palsy and epilepsy, emphasizing that Medicaid’s coverage is essential for Olivia’s daily needs such as a feeding tube and skilled nursing care. The proposed federal budget cuts, including a $1 trillion reduction in Medicaid spending over the next decade, pose a significant threat to families like Anders’, who benefit from programs like Pennsylvania’s waiver that provides Medicaid coverage for children with disabilities regardless of family income. Anders, as the head of the Pennsylvania chapter of Little Lobbyists, advocates for state-level resources to fill potential gaps in federal funding, highlighting the broader societal impact of losing Medicaid support by illustrating how anyone could unexpectedly need these services due to unforeseen circumstances.
Chelsea Anders, residing in Westchester, Pennsylvania with her husband Jason and their two children, relies on Medicaid for her daughter Olivia’s essential medical needs. Olivia, aged 10, has cerebral palsy and epilepsy, requiring a wheelchair and feeding tube. The $2,000 monthly cost for her gastrostomy tube formula is covered by Medicaid, as primary insurance denies it.
“If something happens to those benefits, we couldn’t afford to live here,” Anders told the Pennsylvania Independent. “Paying out of pocket for her medical costs is unimaginable.”
The Center for American Progress highlights that President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act will result in $1 trillion cuts to Medicaid over 10 years, impacting low-income families and children with disabilities.
Olivia benefits from a Pennsylvania waiver, similar to the Katie Beckett Medicaid Program, allowing Medicaid coverage for in-home care costs regardless of family income.
Her waiver provides a skilled nurse from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and a paraprofessional for school support. Olivia, in fifth grade, requires these for her academic and personal needs.
The Hospital Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania reports that one in four state residents, over 2.8 million, are covered by Medicaid.
Anders leads the Pennsylvania chapter of Little Lobbyists, advocating for children with disabilities. The group is focused on ensuring state resources fill gaps if federal programs face cuts.
“When something like the Big Beautiful Bill arises, we’re ready to act, driving to D.C. or Harrisburg as needed,” she said.
Addressing those unfamiliar with Medicaid’s value, Anders said, “It might not affect you today, but it could tomorrow. If you have an accident, you’ll need the services we’re fighting for and a way to pay for them.”
Medicaid provides Olivia the normalcy she desires: attending school, allowing her parents to work, and enjoying activities like movies and swimming.
“She just wants to be a kid,” Anders said. “She needs some adjustments to live the childhood many envision, but we need these resources to make it happen. She’s just a kid bearing the brunt of poor decisions, preventing her from having the life she deserves.”
—
Read More Pennsylvania News
