Friends,

We are facing an urgent threat to Medicaid that could have devastating consequences for the individuals and families we serve. Tuesday February 25th, Speaker Johnson appeared on television, making a strong case for Medicaid work requirements for what he called “able-bodied men.” He claimed that this policy enjoys 90% public approval. His comments make it clear that work requirements are likely to be included in the final House Medicaid proposal despite overwhelming evidence that such policies result in coverage losses rather than increased employment.

What’s Happening?

House Republicans are pushing work requirements as part of a budget plan aimed at saving $880 billion. Despite repeated warnings, these policies disproportionately harm vulnerable populations. Some proposals also suggest cutting or capping the federal Medicaid matching funds to states.

Here’s why this is deeply concerning:

Most Medicaid recipients already work – In expansion states like California, 64% of Medicaid recipients under 65 are employed. When you include people with disabilities, caregivers, and students, that number jumps to 94%. Work requirements do not encourage employment; they create bureaucratic barriers that strip eligible people of their coverage.

Cuts won’t reduce costs—they just shift the burden – Medicaid has been a successful federal-state partnership for over 50 years. Cutting federal funding doesn’t eliminate the need for care, it forces states to reduce benefits, cut provider rates, or eliminate services altogether.

Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) are at immediate risk – If states face spending caps, critical services like HCBS, dental care, and waiver programs will be the first to go. This will push more people into institutional care, reducing independence and driving up long-term costs.

Fewer providers, worse access to care – If states cut provider payment rates, fewer doctors, therapists, and direct care professionals will accept Medicaid

Work requirements create unnecessary red tape – Past attempts to implement these policies have shown that thousands of eligible Medicaid recipients lose coverage, not because they are unemployed, but due to complex reporting requirements and bureaucratic hurdles. These policies disproportionately harm individuals with disabilities, caregivers, and low-wage workers with irregular hours.

The real goal is to cut Medicaid funding – These proposals are not just about work requirements. They are laying the groundwork to slash federal Medicaid contributions, shifting financial responsibility to the states. The so-called “savings” from these cuts would ultimately be redirected toward tax breaks for large corporations and the wealthiest Americans.

Why This Matters for UCP of the Inland Empire

The people we serve rely on Medicaid for healthcare, personal assistance, assistive technology, and community support. These work requirements fail to acknowledge the realities of disability, chronic illness, caregiving, and employment barriers.

If these policies move forward:

  • More people will lose coverage, including those who qualify but cannot navigate complex reporting rules.
  • California will be forced to cut critical services, pushing more individuals into institutional care.
  • The direct care workforce crisis will worsen as lower Medicaid reimbursements lead to fewer providers.

What you can do right now?

Use & Share ANCOR’s Advocacy Tool – This allows us to quickly contact our representatives and voice opposition to work requirements and funding cuts. ANCOR Amplifier

We encourage you to speak out. The following is Arc’s Protect Medicaid Campaign tool as well.
The Arc’s #ProtectMedicaid Campaign

Call or Write Members of Congress – Personal stories are powerful. Urge our state and federal representatives to oppose these harmful policies.

Stay Informed & Spread the Word – As details emerge, we will continue to update you.

In addition, these tools are designed to empower you to engage effectively with our elected officials, ensuring that our voice is heard on critical issues.

Elected Officials Lookup: By entering your address, this tool provides contact information for federal, state, and local elected officials.

Representative Finder: Input your ZIP code to identify your U.S. House Representative and access their contact details.

GovTrack.us: This platform offers a comprehensive database of congressional members, including their voting records and contact information.

The best way to support employment and independence is to provide stable healthcare, community services, and financial security. UCP of the Inland Empire is committed to fighting these dangerous proposals, but we also need your voices alongside ours.

Let’s stand together to protect Medicaid and the individuals and families who rely on it. Please reach out if you need support in your advocacy efforts.

Thank you for taking action!