Access to Freedom

On May 6, 2025, I had the honor and privilege of testifying in front of the New Jersey State Assembly Health Committee. Here is a copy of my submitted testimony. At the bottom, you will find news coverage video of the event. Hope you enjoy and have a good day.

Assemblyman Carol Murphy and members of the Health Committee:

My name is Kevin Nunez.  I am a disability advocate. I also belong to a number of advocacy groups, and I am a Governor Appointee to the NJ Council on Developmental Disabilities.

I’m honored to come before you today as one of the approximately 200,000 individuals with disabilities who receive some sort of Medicaid assistance. The Medicaid program is not only a “safety net.” It is much more.  It is a “lifeline.” Medicaid is the key to unlocking access to my community, to my purpose, and my freedom as a human being. Any cuts or caps to the Medicaid program will bring about immeasurable harm to the most vulnerable population across the beautiful Garden State.

According to the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities (NJCDD) statement on Protecting Medicaid:

“Medicaid is a critical funding source for people with disabilities to receive safe and adequate care within their communities. Medicaid funds the vast majority of services and community-based supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). In fact, in order to receive any kind of services through the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities, residents MUST be Medicaid-eligible. Far more than simply paying for visits to the doctor, Medicaid funding allows people with I/DD to access in-home supports; day programs; job coaching and employment support; respite services for their loved ones; physical, cognitive, and behavioral therapies; prescription drugs; medical equipment; and much more. In New Jersey, nearly 200,000 individuals with disabilities rely on Medicaid for healthcare and disability-related support services.”  

My life and the lives of so many others mirror this statement. 

Because of my physical disability, access to Medicaid has been critical.  Because of Medicaid, I can live in my home with my family since Medicaid funding has made my home accessible. Because of Medicaid, I can rely on trained support staff to come to my home and assist me with all personal care needs so that I can participate in daily activities.  Because of Medicaid, I am a healthy contributing member of my community and have accomplished more in the past 35 years that anyone thought was possible.  Medicaid saves lives by giving people with disabilities the opportunity to have a life that they chose and that meets their unique needs. Medicaid is a win-win. With Medicaid, folks with disabilities can have jobs, and the people supporting the individual also have jobs.  As I grow older, my needs will change. Medicaid allows flexibility and choice throughout our lifespan. 

I cannot stress enough about how important stability is in our lives.  It is critical that we are not always worrying about tomorrow.  These past few months have been very concerning as we listen to policymakers talking about cuts to Medicaid and not knowing how that will impact our lives. 

The Medicaid program must continue to provide stability and the level of necessary support so that we remain active, healthy, contributing members of society and not a burden to society. 

I’ve seen models and predictions about what could happen if there was  just a 10% Medicaid cut. 

I’m here to tell you, on a practical level, the ripple effects of any cut will be felt, not for 4 years but for generations to come. 

In order for New Jersey to be fair and strong, we all need to do our part. 

My message is: No cuts, no caps! 

New Jersey’s future is in your hands right now.