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At The Arc of California, we believe every person deserves the opportunity to live with dignity, respect, and the supports they need to thrive in their community. The Simon family of Sebastopol exemplifies what’s possible when California families have access to critical Medicaid-funded services, which is Medi-Cal in California. But their future—and that of countless other families—hangs in the balance as proposed federal budget cuts threaten to undermine these essential programs.
Maayan Simon grew up in a home built on love and compassion. Her parents, Steve and Laurel, now in their late 60s, adopted two boys—Zac and Jacob—when they were babies. Both boys were born with Down syndrome and were placed for adoption. Steve and Laurel welcomed them into their family without hesitation, dedicating their lives to ensuring Zac and Jacob had every chance to flourish.
For over three decades, Medi-Cal has been a lifeline for the Simon family, covering critical health services that Zac and Jacob depend on. At 16, Zac experienced a catastrophic medical event—a rare arteriovenous malformation (AVM) bleed in his spinal cord that left him permanently paralyzed. Thanks to Medi-Cal and Medicaid-funded programs like In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) and Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), Zac and Jacob have been able to remain in their family home, surrounded by love and community.
But that future is in jeopardy. If Medicaid funding is cut, the Simon family may be forced to make an impossible decision: continue paying increasing out-of-pocket costs for home care—exhausting their financial resources—or place Zac and Jacob in nursing facilities. Such institutional care would not only remove them from the home and community they love but also cost the state of California far more than supporting their care at home through IHSS and HCBS.
Steve, a retired software engineer, and his wife Laurel have spent their lives contributing to their community and paying taxes. Now, they face the grim reality that they may never be able to retire peacefully, all because of proposed Medicaid cuts that threaten their sons’ well-being. And they are not alone. Across California, millions of seniors and people with disabilities rely on Medicaid for their health, independence, and dignity.
The Arc of California urges lawmakers to consider families like the Simons when they vote on the next version of the budget in the U.S. Senate and protect Medicaid.
“Please don’t turn your back on people like my parents and brothers when we need you the most,” Maayan pleads. “Vote NO on cuts to Medicaid and ask your colleagues to join you.”
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