In this webinar, Katy Neas, CEO of The Arc, and Julie Ward, Senior Executive Officer of Public Policy, provide valuable insights into Medicaid and its anticipated role in 2025 discussions.

As Congress prepares to debate Medicaid policies in 2025, we need your support. Join our nationwide movement to protect Medicaid and ensure it continues providing essential services.

The legislation would urge the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to consider including a code for direct support professionals (DSPs) in its revision of the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) manual. The omission of a DSP SOC code leads to a lack of data on the DSP workforce, the devaluation of the profession, and likely lower reimbursement rates as a result.

The Arc expressed its support for several bills being reviewed by the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health at a hearing on expanding access to Medicaid. The legislation reviewed included making Money Follows the Person permanent, portability of Medicaid benefits for dependents of military families, and modifications to the Medicaid buy-in program for older working adults.

The Long-Term Care Workforce Support Act would provide major investments and protections for workers across the long-term care settings. The Arc applauded Senator Casey (D-PA) for developing legislation to address this pressing issue.