Colorado's Lifeline: Medicaid Cuts Threaten Job Program for Vulnerable Adults

Colorado's Medicaid Work Program Faces Defunding Amidst Republican Budget Proposals DENVER, CO – A vital Colorado program that helps Medicaid recipients find jobs and stable housing is facing potential defunding due to proposed Republican-backed cuts to Medicaid. The program, Sustainability, has proven successful in assisting individuals in the Denver area, providing not only employment services but also crucial residential support. Meg Moore, the Sustainability Program Director, explains, "Not only do they receive our employment services, but they also receive residential services. The idea of taking that away…it really all it looks like is homelessness." The program's success is undeniable, with participants gaining valuable work experience, building savings, and confidently entering the workforce. However, the program's funding is entirely dependent on Medicaid waivers, which are targeted for significant cuts in the proposed federal budget. The cuts, aimed at offsetting tax cuts for the wealthy, threaten to leave vulnerable individuals without critical support and resources. The next vote on the federal budget is scheduled for September 30th, giving advocates time to voice their concerns and potentially influence the outcome.