Angela Fletcher lives in Stoddard.

My daughter has multiple diagnoses including, but not limited to, atypical Rett syndrome, a regressive form of Autism, and atypical ROHHAD, a rare, life-threatening condition.

ROHHAD is an acronym for Rapid-onset Obesity with Hypothalamic Dysfunction, Hypoventilation and Autonomic Dysregulation. The condition has meant diabetes, seizure disorder, intellectual disabilities, cognitive impairment, global developmental delays, paralyzing anxiety and PTSD from multiple traumatic experiences including medical procedures.

I’m writing this as a concerned mother of a medically complex child with special needs and an advocate with MS. Over the past year we have seen many changes that have led us to make one of the hardest decisions we have made so far as parents, the decision to place our daughter on palliative care. This decision wasn’t taken lightly and was made alongside medical professionals, but we know it’s the best decision for our daughter.

Individuals like my daughter will be impacted greatly and suffer the dire consequences of cuts to Medicaid.

Medicaid is a critical lifeline for my daughter. My daughter’s medical, developmental and mental health issues require a large team of individuals to come together to work like a well-oiled machine. Medicaid provides her access to all of these essential healthcare services, whether it be specialists, a primary care doctor, visiting nurses, paramedics or the many different types of therapists that are needed to help maintain her skills. Not to mention the value of Medicaid in helping to access all of her equipment needs — including a walker, wheelchair, shower chair and a Hoyer lift, just to name a few — or the medical supplies needed to support her nutritional intake and medications crucial to survival and quality of life. Medicaid also provides my daughter long-term palliative care that one day will most likely lead to hospice.

The repeal of Medicaid expansion could reduce federal funding, forcing the state to cut crucial Medicaid programs like Katie Beckett Medicaid, a waiver program that covers at-home care for children. It will most likely also increase restrictions on individuals’ eligibility, increase service limitations, increase and normalize institutionalization, increase waitlist time for waived services and more.

People with disabilities who already receive services may see cuts to the number of care hours and services covered or require a new cost-sharing option. For any family in our situation, cost-sharing could involve decisions with catastrophic consequences.

Clearly, resuming the practice of institutionalizing individuals with severe disabilities would be far more costly than saving Medicaid. Institutions are far more costly to staff 24/7 than to maintain Medicaid programs. Places like Laconia State School no longer exist because it was proven to be ineffective and, dare I say it, dehumanizing! Individuals with disabilities deserve a life that is no different than anyone else. Ask yourself: Is this really what you would want for your family member or loved one? I know my answer is ‘no!’

We as a society have come so far and have worked so hard to support people with disabilities within the communities in which they reside. Going backward is untenable.

Please, carefully consider the dire consequences individuals with disabilities would suffer if cuts to Medicaid become a reality, and act accordingly to save this critical program.