According to the Arc Minnesota “the 2% provider tax on health care services is the main source of funding for the Health Care Access Fund, which contributes nearly $450 million to Medical Assistance in Minnesota. The provider tax is scheduled to expire or “sunset” at the end of 2019, which would leave a hole of more than $900 million in our state budget – placing health & human services and education funding at risk.”

This is a very real risk for me and others with disabilities who depend on Medical Assistance to help cover medical costs, that in my case aren’t covered by my family’s private health insurance. Medical Assistance and the waiver program that I’m on cover the expense for needed personal care support staff. Taking $900 million from the Minnesota state budget and not having a plan to fill that gap is short-sighted. Even me as a 20-year-old can SEE that it’s short-sighted!

My medical costs and need for care are not going to go away when funding gets decreased or goes away. It just means that those of us with disabilities and our families will struggle more than we already do. There will be very real people with disabilities who will end up going without needed care or will start getting denials for needed equipment. My Republican state senator will say not to worry, that I will get everything I need. But, it’s not true. You don’t get the medical care, support staff, or needed medical equipment you need, when there isn’t money to pay for it. I depend on Medical Assistance services and medical care to live in my community and do what I do to make the world a better place.

So, to legislators who are not in support of continuing the provider tax, think of your constituents with disabilities and their families. Think of me – would you say no to my power wheelchair? My support staff? My surgery to correct my messed up toes? My deep brain stimulation surgeries? My communication device or hearing aids? My physical, occupational and speech therapies over the years. My care costs a lot. Don’t cut funding for this care unless you address how you’re cutting the costs of medical care in this country. Don’t leave me hanging.

Contact your Minnesota state senators and tell them to NOT let the sun set on the provider tax in Minnesota! Not sure who represents you? Enter your address into this Legislative District Finder to find the contact information for your State Senator.

#DontLetTheSunset

5/26/2019 Update

Relieved that the Provider Tax was agreed to as part of the final budget negotiations with Governor Walz, Senate and House! Consistent and stable funding is so important for me and others with disabilities. Thanks to Governor Walz for his support of the Provider Tax! And thanks to my Representative Ami Wazlawik for supporting issues that matter to me and make a positive difference in my life and others with disabilities.