LEBANON, Ohio (WKRC) – After a week of uncertainty at the Ohio Statehouse, families caring for loved ones with disabilities are breathing a sigh of relief.
A controversial proposal that would have ended Medicaid waiver payments for family caregivers has been removed from legislation moving forward. The change follows days of pushback from people with disabilities, their families, and advocates.
“We believe these things were cruel,” said Gary Tonks of The ARC of Ohio. “What was the major concern for us was that families of people with disabilities and families of senior citizens on Ohio Medicaid waivers were targeted in this bill with the allegation, the implication, that families were abusing the system.”
Some lawmakers suggested people with disabilities could get professional help instead, but that is easier said than done. Susan Miller let Local 12 into her home in Lebanon to see exactly what it is like caring for her 22-year-old son…