I strongly oppose the proposed amendments to Virginia’s Medicaid waiver programs. As a family member of someone who relies on these services, I am deeply concerned about how these changes could negatively affect my mother’s health, safety, and quality of life.

My mother depends on personal care services to assist her with essential daily activities and allow her to remain safely in her own home. These services are not optional or a luxury for our family; they are a necessity. Without this support, my mother would face significant challenges meeting her basic daily needs, and our family would struggle to provide the level of care she requires.

Families like mine already face emotional, physical, and financial challenges when caring for loved ones. Any changes that limit services, reduce authorized hours, or make it more difficult to access care would place an even greater burden on families who are already doing everything they can to support their loved ones.

My mother deserves to age with dignity, independence, and the appropriate support in the comfort of her own home. Families should not have to worry about losing essential services or being forced to consider institutional care because of policy changes.

I urge DMAS and Virginia policymakers to listen to the families who are directly affected by these decisions. Please do not make changes that could take away the care and support that vulnerable individuals depend on every single day.

I respectfully ask that these proposed amendments be reconsidered and that the well-being of Medicaid waiver recipients and their families remain the highest priority.