Iowans with disabilities ask for policy change

DES MOINES — Iowans with disabilities called on lawmakers Wednesday to lift the restrictions on how much money they can earn and save so that they can be meaningfully employed, live independently and get the health care services they need.

Advocates spoke at the Iowa State Capitol to educate lawmakers on the challenges they face in working and being financially independent, emphasizing that the same programs that help them get to work limit how much they can earn.

“I am an Iowan with a disability who works full time and serves my community as a member of the city council," said Alex Watters of Sioux City. “I have private health insurance through my employer; however, as a quadriplegic, only Medicaid covers the home care that I need to get to work.

“And because I need Medicaid, my income is capped, forcing me to turn down raises, limit savings and even keeping me from getting married.”

Watters is a member of a grassroots advocacy group called Allies in Advocacy, which hosted the news conference today. The group is calling for change in the systems that support people with disabilities who can and want to work, yet penalize them for working or earning too much.

“Being covered by Medicaid allows me to get the health care I need while running my own business, but there are limits to how much I can work and make,” said Libby Schwers of Urbandale.

I should be able to be both a successful business owner and an Iowan with a disability.“ Schwers is a graphic designer who opened her own business two years ago after having to leave a full-time position in a marketing agency. Running her own business allows her the flexibility to work when she can and manage her health.

Zach Mecham of Pleasantville, who facilitates Allies in Advocacy, acknowledged that legislation was introduced last year in Iowa that would have addressed the income and asset limits. But the legislation stalled, and some advocates are saying even those proposed new limits are not enough.

“It’s a catch 22. Private insurance doesn’t cover the supports that Medicaid does, but we can’t keep Medicaid if we earn or save more than poverty-level limits.”

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median earnings in 2022 for Iowans with disabilities was $27,395, compared to $42,622 for Iowans without disabilities.

That same year, the poverty rate for Iowans with disabilities was 26.2%, compared to 10.9% for Iowans without disabilities.

“We hear so many stories about the fear of losing your benefits,” said Mecham. “You’d have to be rich to pay for these benefits out of pocket, and they literally keep us alive. They pay for someone to come into your home and lift you out of your bed in the morning. Without that support, I couldn’t survive, let alone do my job.”