Inyo County Caregivers Demand Fair Wages Amid Looming Medicaid Cuts

Caregivers in Inyo County are sounding the alarm over looming Medicaid cuts that threaten their livelihoods and the essential services they provide. At a recent Board of Supervisors meeting, Oscar Maciel, an organizer for SEIU 2015, highlighted the growing crisis in home care, emphasizing that many caregivers are leaving the industry for better-paying jobs.

Maciel pointed out that the number of unservice hours is on the rise, with Inyo County ranking third out of 58 counties for unused care hours. This means that many recipients are not receiving the care they need, leaving caregivers struggling to make ends meet. "Providers are living paycheck to paycheck and at times cannot afford necessities," Maciel stated, underscoring the economic challenges faced by those in the caregiving profession.

The meeting also featured personal stories from caregivers like Gina and Paulina, who shared their experiences and advocated for better wages and working conditions. Maciel urged the board to recognize the value of caregivers and to invest in their work, stating, "This is not investing in Inyo County. This is shameful."

As the care crisis deepens, caregivers are calling for the board to engage in good faith negotiations to secure fair wages and adequate healthcare. The message is clear: without immediate action, the situation for caregivers and those who depend on their services will only worsen.