Debbie Miller has been her brother Rick’s advocate all his life. Born with Down syndrome at a time when families were told to institutionalize disabled children, Rick and Debbie’s parents refused. That choice gave Rick the foundation for a remarkably full life—he attended school, worked at Safeway for over 10 years, lived semi-independently, and even starred in a commercial.

Everything changed when Rick developed Alzheimer’s disease. What many don’t know: 90-95% of adults with Down syndrome develop Alzheimer’s, compared to just 12% of the general population. Debbie and her disabled veteran husband, living on fixed incomes, couldn’t afford Rick’s specialized care needs. Debbie learned about Medicaid’s long-term care waiver, and after six months Rick was approved, opening doors that had been firmly shut.

First, Rick was accepted at an adult daycare for dementia patients. Despite his dual diagnosis, they welcomed him, providing socialization, music therapy, and activities while giving the family crucial respite.

As Rick’s condition declined and home care became unsafe, Medicaid made the impossible possible: quality long-term care. Rick was admitted to a nonprofit nursing facility in Florida that accepts Medicaid patients.

The transformation has been remarkable. Nearly a year later, rather than declining, Rick’s cognition appears stabilized or even improved. The consistent routine, professional care, and activities have given him a quality of life Debbie couldn’t provide at home.

“I think his cognition might have even improved somewhat because of the socialization, the routine, the activities—much more than what I could provide,” Debbie reflects.

But Debbie lives with constant fear of Congress cutting Medicaid. “I’m so afraid this whole nursing home could be closed if Medicaid gets cut, because the majority of residents receive it.”

Without Medicaid, Rick would have to return to Debbie’s home, impacting not only his quality of life but the health of his aging caregivers.

“I just feel like his life matters. He contributed to the community,” Debbie says. “I don’t know how they can be so cruel to cut these things that are so important.”

Now 71 years old, Debbie has spent her life fighting for Rick—first for education, then healthcare, now for the Medicaid services giving him his best quality of life ever. “I will never give up fighting for my brother,” she says. Her greatest fear is that budget cuts could destroy not just Rick’s stability, but the entire care system for millions of vulnerable Americans.

If you believe everyone deserves access to essential care, now is the moment to act. Call your elected officials at 866-426-2631; Tell them Rick and Debbie’s story, and your own. Urge them to protect Medicaid, safeguard our communities, and ensure that no one is forced to choose between their health and their future. Your voice can make the difference.