Opinion: San Diego’s disability community could suffer under proposed Medi-Cal cuts

A person receiving care under Medi-Cal File photo by Anne Wernikoff CalMatters In San Diego County the San Diego Regional Center supports more than people with developmental disabilities At the same time an estimated residents experience nutrition insecurity of whom are living with disabilities These overlapping challenges highlight just how critical Medi-Cal is in our region While a great number of think of Medi-Cal as just a physical condition insurance plan it s far more than that For people with disabilities it s the backbone of independence providing job coaching skills training and daily living help that make society life manageable Roughly San Diegans are enrolled in Medi-Cal including over children Without this help thousands would lose not only healthcare but the services that help them live full self-directed lives Now Congress is back in session to consider statute that could slash billions from Medicaid Gavin Newsom acknowledges that if federal cuts occur the state couldn t absorb the cost of existing programs State leaders also could be faced with cutting optional benefits or reducing payments to managed care plans that cover of Medi-Cal recipients Medi-Cal disability services help San Diego s market Everyone deserves a shot at meaningful work a job that offers purpose dignity and connection But for San Diegans with disabilities that journey is often filled with obstacles limited job experience inaccessible hiring practices and a lack of reliable transportation We ve seen firsthand how powerful these services can be One of our clients at Options For All dreamed of working at LEGOLAND California They applied multiple times and were rejected again and again But with the help of a Medi-Cal-funded job coach we worked with LEGOLAND to create a nine-month internship tailored for adults with disabilities That client is now a full-time employee and living proof that encouragement opens doors These stories are not uncommon Last year adults with disabilities supported by Options For All earned nearly two million in wages That income didn t just change lives it went back into our local economic system supporting small businesses and paying local taxes A client at Options For All disclosed it best All the money that is in my wallet comes out of my blood sweat and tears It means I put effort into getting the money I deserve in my pocket rather than just having it handed to me That s really valuable to me It makes me feel proud Protecting Medi-Cal protects San Diego s future These are neighbors family members and coworkers Medi-Cal helps them live independently and avoid more expensive crisis-driven care like exigency room visits and institutional stays And none of this works without Direct Encouragement Professionals the trained workers who guide coach and assistance people with disabilities every day These essential jobs are funded by Medi-Cal yet wages are often too low to attract and keep the talent we need Slashing funding now would only deepen the shortage and leave more people without the help they rely on Cutting Medi-Cal would not only undo years of progress it would hurt San Diego families businesses and the broader region These programs are not handouts They are investments in dignity independence and a stronger commercial sector for all of us San Diegans with disabilities aren t asking for a favor they re asking for the tools to live and contribute like anyone else If Congress moves forward with these cuts we ll all feel the consequences Brian Zotti is CEO of Options For All a California-based nonprofit creating and supporting opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities He serves on the California Wellbeing and Human Services Master Plan for Developmental Services