When CRI leaders met with Senator John Fetterman on May 15, the message was clear: proposed federal cuts to Medicaid funding and critical disability programs could threaten the independence of thousands of Pennsylvanians. From protecting in-home care through FMAP to preserving the carve-outs for those unable to work, CRI advocated fiercely for the rights of people with disabilities. Learn more about the conversation—and why your voice is needed now more than ever.
On May 15, 2025, CRI’s Executive Director, Carl Berry, Center for Independent Living Manager, Johann Healy, and Board Member and Participant, Richard Fickes met with federal Senator John Fetterman regarding proposed changes in Washington DC that will affect Independent Living in Pennsylvania.
CRI asked the senator to advocate against reducing the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP), which would negatively impact people with disabilities’ opportunities to live independently. The FMAP determines the federal share of Medicaid funding in a state. In FY2026, for every dollar spent by Pennsylvania on in-home attendant care, the federal government contributes $0.56 and Pennsylvania contributes $0.44. Reducing the federal FMAP contribution percentage or reducing the FMAP budget available to Pennsylvania would make it much more challenging for Pennsylvania to raise its in-home care provider reimbursement rates. For decades, Pennsylvania’s in-home care provider rates have been falling farther and farther short of the costs of delivering the service. Not addressing this shortfall now makes it harder for providers to pay its employees an attractive and competitive wage and benefits. Without competitive wages, providers will continue to face major challenges in serving people with disabilities’ in-home care needs. A cut to Medicaid FMAP contributions to the states would result in a threat to independence.
Also discussed was the proposed changes to federal Medicaid programs, such as work requirements. People with significant disabilities are carved out or excluded from the proposed work requirements, and CRI advocated for the Senator to keep this carve-out in place in the final changes. Pennsylvania already is an employment-first state for Medicaid programs and recognizes that many people with significant disabilities cannot work or perform community service to be eligible for Medicaid in-home support services and other Medicaid benefits such as SNAP benefits, even though they may wish to do so.
CRI asked Senator Fetterman to advocate in Washington to restore and keep whole the Administration for Community Living. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is changing many of its programs and offices in the name of efficiency and reducing waste. One part of DHHS, the Administration for Community Living (ACL), was created over a decade ago specifically to create the very kinds of efficiencies that Washington says it is now seeking when splitting up ACL and other programs. We are concerned that the ACL programs are being cut without a careful review first.
Senator Fetterman agreed with our talking points and the senator shared his personal experience with and reliance on disability services. The senator committed to doing what he can to help people with disabilities in Pennsylvania and the providers who support them. We were grateful for the opportunity to advocate for these important issues.
Your independence is at risk!
Please lend your voice and experiences to the fight to protect Independent Living, protect the Administration for Community Living, and protect Medicaid for people with disabilities. Please contact your federal Senator in Washington today!
- Senator John Fetterman https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/
- Senator David McCormick https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/
