Medicaid Matters: Mosaic’s Expert Shares Why in a Five-Question Q&A

Mosaic’s Leadership Team has been closely monitoring recent speculations about possible changes to Medicaid coverage.

To keep you apprised of the latest information and share stories, we are launching a “Medicaid Matters” blog post series.  

In this inaugural issue, we sat down with Cheryl Wicks, our Vice President of External Affairs, to share Medicaid facts, why we advocate for its protection and what you can do to join us. Below is what Cheryl shared during this Q&A conversation:

Q. How many people in the U.S. rely on Medicaid?

• Nearly 6 million people in the U.S. rely on Medicaid Long Term Services and Supports. Those receiving Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) comprise 4 million people (72%). HCBS programs address the needs of people with functional limitations who need assistance with everyday activities, such as getting dressed or bathing. These programs are often designed to enable people to live in their community, rather than moving to a facility for care.

Q. Do the people Mosaic serves depend on Medicaid?

• Yes. Mosaic and its support services are primarily funded through Medicaid (96%): Mosaic supports 5,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and other diverse needs, and more than 4,500 of them receive HCBS. Because of this, the recent public discussions surrounding Medicaid are deeply concerning for our nonprofit, faith-based organization. As we celebrate 112 years of service, we have, unfortunately, become familiar with the ever-evolving funding landscape. It is imperative that we clearly demonstrate how Medicaid is the lifeline for those we love and serve.

Q. How is Medicaid funded?

• Medicaid is partially funded by the federal government and state governments. If Medicaid is cut back at the federal level, it causes more strain on state governments to make difficult decisions to cut Medicaid when state budgets are in a deficit.

Q. Why does Mosaic advocate for Medicaid?

• We advocate because without Medicaid funding, many of the people we serve would lose access to the essential services they rely on. It’s important to note Medicaid remains as the most cost-effective healthcare program in the United States.

Q. How can I advocate for the protection of Medicaid funding?

• Continue to educate yourself and others about the complex issues surrounding Medicaid. Visit our Mosaic Action Center, an online tool that makes advocating easy to identify and contact your appropriate elected official about priority issues. You can also subscribe to emails to receive notifications each time a new Action Alert is posted. Importantly, tell your story! Storytelling is a cornerstone of our advocacy efforts. Stories can deepen emotional connections and help people and policymakers understand and care about our work in a more personal and impactful way. Throughout the year, Mosaic will share real-life stories about the people we serve—people who rely on Medicaid to access essential services. Through these narratives, we hope to inspire more people to join us in urging elected officials to support priorities like Medicaid. Whether you are a person served by Mosaic, a family member, friend, direct support professional, or someone passionate about serving those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, we invite you to share how Medicaid has touched your life. Use this link to share your story.

Want to learn more? Visit the American Network of Community Options and Resources’  Medicaid Resource Center.* 

*The American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) is a national, nonprofit trade association that works to strengthen community-based providers supporting people with IDD by shaping policy and advocating for their needs.

Cheryl Wicks, Vice President of External Affairs

Cheryl Wicks leads Mosaic’s federal advocacy efforts and issues advocacy updates for Mosaic Allied Voices volunteers. She came to Mosaic in 2003 as a direct support professional at Mosaic in Western Colorado. Over the years, she has worked in a variety of roles within the organization, including Executive Director of Mosaic in Colorado Springs and Associate Vice President of Government Relations before being appointed as Vice President of External Affairs. In addition to being ANCOR’s Government Relations Co-Chair and on its Board of Representatives, Cheryl is also the Public Policy Committee’s Chair for Lutheran Services in America Disability Network. Cheryl’s operational knowledge and her demonstrated talent for advocacy creates positive outcomes for the people Mosaic serves and its workforce.