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Ahead of last week’s congressional hearing examining Medicaid program integrity, The Arc of California delivered more than 50 letters from people with disabilities, family caregivers, self-advocates, IHSS providers, social workers, and community members across California to Committee Chairman John Joyce and Congressman Kevin Mullin, the only Californian serving on the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. California was one of four states targeted for this investigative hearing.
The letters shared a consistent message: Medi-Cal, In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), and Home-and Community-Based Services (HCBS) are NOT examples of waste, fraud, or abuse. They are essential supports that allow people with disabilities and older adults to remain safely in their homes, participate in their communities, pursue employment, and live with dignity and independence.
During the hearing, Congressman Mullin challenged the narrative that widespread fraud is driving up California’s Medicaid costs. Instead, he asked California’s State Medicaid Director, Tyler Sadwith, to explain how the state protects program integrity and why IHSS enrollment has grown. Sadwith described California’s enhanced provider screening requirements, frequent revalidation process, and ongoing oversight efforts. He also explained that IHSS growth reflects intentional investments in HCBS, increased reimbursement rates to strengthen the caregiving workforce, and the needs of California’s growing and aging population—not widespread fraud. He emphasized that these services are not only better for the people who rely on them, but are also more cost-effective than institutional care.
Congressman Mullin concluded by reminding the committee that “Medicaid is a lifeline for millions of Americans” and called for strengthening the federal-state partnership that makes these services possible.
The hearing also underscored why personal stories matter. Nickole Mensch, an HCBS Mentor at Bakersfield Arc and a person with cerebral palsy, wrote, “I am not asking for special treatment. I am asking for the tools that allow me and millions of other Americans with disabilities to live independently, contribute to our communities, and live with dignity.”
Mark Gordon of Chico reminded lawmakers that access to Medicaid-funded services is “literally the difference between life and death” for many Californians.
And parent caregiver Andrea Rodriguez urged Congress to remember that “Policies that reduce or restrict family caregiving do not reduce need—they shift the burden onto families already at their limit.”
While no immediate action resulted from the hearing, the testimony is now part of the congressional record and will help inform future oversight and policy discussions about Medicaid. The Arc of California extends its sincere appreciation to Congressman Mullin for ensuring California’s perspective was represented during the hearing and to every advocate, caregiver, provider, and self-advocate who took the time to share their story.
If Medicaid, Medi-Cal, IHSS, or HCBS have made a difference in your life or the life of someone you care for, we encourage you to share your story with The Arc of California. Personal experiences remain one of the most powerful ways to help policymakers understand why these programs are not simply budget line items, but lifelines for millions of American.
Share you “Why Medi-Cal (Medicaid) Matters” story with us at info@thearcca.org, and Click HERE to watch the testimony from the hearing.