Advocating on the Hill to Protect Medicaid

posted by Maghan Bowman on Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Recently, a group of dedicated staff members and people supported by Exceptional Persons, Inc. (EPI) traveled to the State Capitol in Des Moines to take part in IACP’s Hill Day - a gathering of like-minded providers from across Iowa, united by one powerful message: Save Medicaid.

Among our group was a passionate self-advocate served by EPI, who brought with her a powerful story, one she wrote herself and courageously read to every legislator who would listen.

As she spoke face-to-face with lawmakers, she began:

"I am a voter. I'm here to talk about my services from Medicaid. Without these services I would not be able to work and potentially, would have no place to live."

She continued, "Thanks to my job coaches, I have been able to get a job and be successful. I get a paycheck that helps me pay my bills and be less dependent on government services and others."

While sharing a deeply personal and important detail, she said: "I was even able to save up enough to get my partial denture, something I needed to be able to communicate but insurance said was unnecessary! Trust me, without my teeth, you really wouldn't understand me."

And yet, the supports that make this all possible are at risk. Which is why she bravely stood up, not only for herself but for many others like her.

"There are thousands and thousands of people in Iowa, like me, who need to live and work in our communities. To be successful members of our communities. Can we count on you, the people we voted for, to help us?" she asked.

She ended with a message that's impossible to ignore, "Support programs for people like me, who need a little help but are still able to be successful members of your community. We matter just as much as you do."

We are grateful to Representatives Jerome Amos Jr., Bob Kressig, and Timi Brown-Powers for taking the time to hear these stories, listen with compassion, and engage in meaningful conversation.

But our work is far from over.

Your voice matters, too.
Join us in speaking out for people with disabilities. Urge your lawmakers to protect and preserve Medicaid. It only takes a minute to make a difference - find your legislators with a quick address search here: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislators. View other advocacy tools by clicking here. 

We’re proud of the incredible advocates who joined us at Hill Day. Their courage, honesty, and strength are a beacon of what’s possible when we work together. Thank you for helping amplify these voices - and for continuing to stand up for what’s right.

Together, we can protect the supports that empower people with disabilities to live full, meaningful lives.