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Residents urge Allegany County legislators to oppose Medicaid cuts affecting school services
Summary
Two longtime educators and constituents told the Allegany County Board of Legislators that proposed Medicaid reductions would harm students who rely on billable school-based services tied to Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and asked the board to adopt a resolution urging federal representatives to prevent cuts.
Two local residents asked the Allegany County Board of Legislators on June 25 to act to protect Medicaid-funded services that support students with disabilities.
Sue Baines Lucy, a retired special educator who said she spent more than 43 years working in public schools including Alfred-Almond Central School, told legislators that Medicaid pays for services outlined in an Individualized Education Program, or IEP, and that those services are critical for students to thrive. “Medicaid provides funding for the services provided to any student with a disability who has an IEP,” she said. She described billable services that can include occupational, physical and speech therapy and — with detailed documentation — specialized equipment.
The request matters, supporters said, because cuts to Medicaid would reduce funding schools use to provide medically related therapies and equipment. “Any cuts to Medicaid that may affect our students must be avoided now,” Baines Lucy said. “The process for obtaining services for these students cannot be subject to political folly. Be proactive in trying to prevent this harm.”
Another constituent, Patty McKeown of Freedom, said she previously raised the issue with the board and asked legislators to adopt a county resolution urging Allegany County’s congressional delegation to oppose changes that would reduce Medicaid or Affordable Care Act benefits. McKeown said she adapted a template from the New York State Association of Counties and provided an electronic and paper copy of her draft resolution to the clerk. “I request that you adopt that, you debate and adopt this resolution,” she told the board, adding that a petition addressed to the legislators has begun and already has about 100 signatures.
Neither speaker presented a formal motion or resolution from the board during the public comment period. The speakers’ requests were recorded during the public comment item; the transcript does not show any county legislator moving to adopt McKeown’s proposed resolution during this meeting.
The speakers described the range of disabilities eligible for IEPs and emphasized that Medicaid billing supports services beyond special-education teacher time, citing occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy and, in some cases, specialized equipment. Baines Lucy noted these records are audited by the state and that school districts manage Medicaid claims and compliance.
The board did not take formal action on the request during the meeting; public comment concluded and the board proceeded to its scheduled agenda items.
Advocates asked legislators to consider the resolution McKeown provided and to take proactive steps with state and federal representatives to preserve school-based Medicaid funding.
