We, the undersigned registered voters in the state of Georgia, demand the Georgia House of Representatives and Georgia Senate add and approve funding for 125 new New Options/Comprehensive (NOW/COMP) waivers to the Georgia State Budget for 2021.

There are over 7000 disabled Georgians waiting for NOW/COMP funding to assist with basic medical needs which private insurance and Medicaid do not cover. For the past 10 years, Georgia legislators have approved anywhere from 75-250 new waivers annually. The current budget excludes any funding for new waivers.

Fellow Georgians currently waiting for funding:

Casey is an 11 year old with mitochondrial disease. He copes with ongoing medical issues including seizures, a feeding tube, falls, and behavioral issues. His mother struggles to keep up with Casey’s medical care and supplies.

Ben and Sam are 17 old twins with autism who love to go out in their community. Unfortunately, they often try to run and don’t understand the danger of passing cars and other obstacles. Their parents have been pushed to the brink of exhaustion keeping them safe from harm as they get bigger and stronger.

Christian is a 10 year old with Kabuki Syndrome who requires around-the-clock medical care. His private insurance will not pay for nursing. He currently receives 28 hours of specialized care and 8 hours nursing through an interim program. His parents juggle the remaining hours between their jobs while they wait for Georgia lawmakers to approve more funding for the NOW/COMP waiver program.

Hannah’s Mom works two jobs while being the primary caregiver for her medically-fragile child. Now 16, Hannah and her brother Jake have been waiting for services through Georgia’s NOW/COMP waiver for 12 years. Jake passed away last year waiting for services.