If my and other health care providers’ ability of care is consequentially limited, this will only lead to a chain of events that may place a greater burden on the American society and infrastructure.
Dr. Jessica Lee, a child clinical psychologist, specializes in working with neurodivergent individuals, including those with autism and ADHD. She provides therapy, evaluations and consultations as part of an interdisciplinary team for diverse, underserved youth and families. She also leads community outreach through a Department of Developmental Services (DDS) grant to support underserved racial and ethnic minority families.
Medicaid budget cuts will severely limit the care Dr. Lee can provide. “The health care provisions in the House reconciliation bill will significantly impact my ability to care for patients as most of them are covered under Medicaid/Medical/CalOptima.” She explained that Medicaid provides essential services underserved families cannot otherwise afford. “Compared to most insurance companies’ plans, Medicaid graciously increases accessibility for a variety of services that underserved families would not otherwise be able to afford.”
Jessica described how the bill will reduce access to care, “Families will no longer be able to access multiple services, thus, impacting my quality of care and limiting the services I offer.” Without access to medication and therapy, children may see slower progress and fewer treatment options. “No matter how hard we work, we may not achieve the desired outcome also due to a reduction in session quantity.”
Currently, she can provide evaluations, multiple rounds of individual therapy, and group sessions. “Typically, as a clinical psychologist serving a family with Medicaid, I can currently provide them with a comprehensive psychological evaluation, at least 24 individual therapy sessions with options to renew, group therapy sessions for the parent/caregiver and/or the child, and/or follow up appointments.” As cuts move forward, families might only receive an evaluation. “Families may only be able to receive the evaluation, leaving them vulnerable and feeling helpless as they most often need treatment as next steps.”
Dr. Lee credited her training through UCEDD and LEND programs for equipping her to deliver high-quality care. “I would not be able to conduct any of the high-quality care I mentioned without receiving specialty training in neurodevelopmental conditions at a University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) and Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) programs.” These programs also sparked her outreach efforts. “The LEND program also spurred my passion for researching and engaging in community outreach work with minoritized communities, especially the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community, which I am a proud member of.”
As the budget bill is implemented, she warns of system-wide consequences. “If my and other health care providers’ ability of care is consequentially limited, this will only lead to a chain of events that may place a greater burden on the American society and infrastructure.” Without Medicaid, she said, untreated conditions would grow, leading to worse health, missed diagnoses, and lost productivity. “As neurodevelopmental conditions, like ASD, are lifelong, Medicaid-funded services are crucial to supporting an individual across their lifespan.”
She stressed the value of early support, in-home services, and programs that help disabled individuals transition to adulthood. “In-home Supportive Services (IHSS) and respite services are invaluable services that allows parents and caregivers to best support their loved one with a disability, rather than being away at work making it hard for them to find long-term, daily care for the loved one with an unfamiliar person that may contribute to further financial strain and emotional distress.”
Dr. Lee ended with a direct call to action. “I urge politicians, policymakers, advocates, administrators, and people to strongly advocate against the reduction of costs for Medicaid.” She reminded them what is at stake: “Without it, millions of people will be without health insurance because they cannot afford it. Without it, millions of people will suffer due to undiagnosed and untreated condition(s). Without it, millions of people will struggle in their day-to-day due to lack of accessibility and equity in care. Without it, millions of health care providers will also struggle to provide high quality care.”
“Together, we can fight for their health, our health, and your health to improve everyone’s quality of life.”
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