Lori Trahan visits Incompass Human Services, highlights critical role of Medicaid funding

CHELMSFORD — Congresswoman Lori Trahan toured Incompass Human Services on Thursday, meeting with families, staff, and advocates to underscore the critical importance of Medicaid funding in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Incompass, which serves approximately 800 individuals across the region, relies heavily on Medicaid to provide essential services that empower people with disabilities to live with dignity and independence.

During the visit, Trahan toured Incompass’ Day Habilitation and Community-Based Day Services programs, witnessing firsthand how Medicaid-funded initiatives help individuals develop essential life skills, build community connections, and access employment opportunities. She then sat down with two families who receive services at Incompass, hearing directly from them about the life-changing impact of Medicaid and the potential consequences of proposed federal funding cuts.

“For families like the Demuths and the Petricones, Medicaid is more than just a program — it is a lifeline,” said Trahan. “It ensures that their children receive the care, support, and community resources they need to thrive. We cannot allow reckless cuts to Medicaid that would jeopardize these essential services and leave families without options.”

The visit comes as Republican proposals in Congress threaten to slash Medicaid funding by at least $880 billion, placing organizations like Incompass at risk. Trahan has been a staunch advocate against these cuts, recently leading a push with 45 of her colleagues urging House Speaker Mike Johnson to reject these harmful measures. She has also championed legislation like the Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act, which would break down barriers for children needing specialized care across state lines.

Jean Phelps, the CEO of Incompass Human Services, emphasized the dire consequences of Medicaid cuts.

“The impact of Medicaid cuts is not a hypothetical; it’s a reality we experienced at Incompass just a few years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic. We saw firsthand the devastating impact on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and acquired brain injuries who were unable to access critical services,” Phelps said. “Isolation stripped away core skills and competencies, leaving many without the support they desperately need to thrive. The backlog of individuals waiting to re-enter programs grew, and caregivers were forced to sacrifice jobs, homes, and livelihoods to fill in the gaps. This is the stark consequence of inadequate funding for our most innocent and vulnerable citizens — and we cannot afford to go back to that place.

“That’s why we are so pleased and grateful that Congresswoman Trahan took time out of her busy schedule to meet with the Incompass community and see firsthand the positive impact that Medicaid funding has on the nearly 1,000 individuals and families who we support across our suite of programs,” Phelps continued. “Her advocacy for sustained Medicaid funding, and commitment to understanding these issues on a deeper level, goes a long way towards ensuring that the people we serve receive the essential care and support they deserve.”

Dennis Demuth, father of David Demuth who helped lead Trahan’s tour of the facility, also highlighted the critical role of Medicaid.

“Our son David was born with major intellectual disabilities that make it impossible for him to live independently like more typical folks. Despite these difficulties, with the help of 16 years of support through the school system and 15 years of service provided by CLASS and Incompass, he now speaks understandably, can care for his personal hygiene, can participate in basic group employment, and can participate in social activities as well. This could never have happened without the help of the funding provided by our fellow citizens and the many professionals who’ve helped us throughout the years,” Dennis Demuth said. “Unfortunately, Dave’s needs will not disappear. He’ll need ongoing help, so he does not regress. Barbara and I are also concerned about who will help David after we die or physically cannot support him anymore. We also care about future generations of vulnerable, innocent, disabled people who may not benefit as David has due to funding restrictions. We hope that these services will remain a priority because the need is not addressed elsewhere.”

Trahan closed the event by filming a video with the families so she can share their powerful stories and highlight what’s at stake if Medicaid is cut. As she continues her fight in Washington, she remains committed to ensuring that families in Chelmsford and across the 3rd Congressional District have the resources they need to thrive.