Robby Barbieri, a 33-year-old resident of Nashville, Tennessee, has turned his personal challenges into a powerful advocacy journey, culminating in the successful passage of the TennCare for Working Adults with Disabilities Act. This landmark legislation establishes a Medicaid Buy-In program in Tennessee, eliminating income and asset limits for Medicaid enrollment and allowing adults with disabilities to earn wages and save money without fear of losing essential healthcare coverage.
The Road to Advocacy
Robby’s life took an unexpected turn in early 2022 when a car accident left him with an incomplete C4-C5 spinal cord injury. This life-altering event did not diminish his spirit; rather, it ignited a passion for advocacy that has since transformed the lives of many Tennesseans with disabilities.
Originally from Minnesota, Robby moved to Nashville to attend Vanderbilt University, where he played football and earned degrees in economics and finance. After several years working in finance in the healthcare industry, his accident brought new challenges and a profound sense of purpose.
Following his injury, Robby underwent extensive rehabilitation at Shepherd Center, where he learned to navigate life with his new physical limitations. The adaptive technology he discovered there gave him hope and a vision for a future where he could continue to work and contribute to society.
The Spark of Advocacy
Robby’s return to the workforce was hindered by Tennessee’s restrictive Medicaid policies. The state was one of the few without a Medicaid Buy-In program, which allows people with disabilities to work and retain Medicaid coverage by paying a premium. Faced with income limits of $2,829 per month and asset limits of $2000, Robby realized that the system forced him and others to choose between financial stability and essential healthcare.
Through a mentor, Robby connected with Josh Basile, a disability lawyer and advocate who inspired him to take action. Josh, who also lives with tetraplegia, showed Robby that a fulfilling life, including a career, home, and family, was possible despite their disabilities. This revelation fueled Robby’s determination to change the law.
Building a Movement
Robby’s journey from personal struggle to legislative success was marked by relentless effort and collaboration. He founded Music City Wheels, a nonprofit organization to raise awareness and build support for Medicaid reform. Partnering with the Tennessee Disability Coalition, Robby connected with State Representative Darren Jernigan, who also has a spinal cord injury, to champion the cause.
Gathering data and forming a task force, Robby worked tirelessly to present a compelling case for the Medicaid Buy-In program. His efforts paid off when Senator Bo Watson and Representative Tim Hicks agreed to sponsor the TennCare for Working Adults with Disabilities Act. The bill, which allows individuals with disabilities to pay a premium for Medicaid’s long-term support services, was signed into law on April 24, 2024.
A New Chapter
With the passage of this groundbreaking legislation, Robby has achieved a significant milestone in his advocacy work. He was awarded advocate of the year by United Spinal. He has since started a full-time job in corporate finance with NuMotion, a company specializing in wheelchair and mobility equipment. Robby continues to advocate for disability rights, extending his efforts to other states like Louisiana and Utah.
Robby’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of community. His advocacy not only changed the law but also provided a model for others to follow. He remains committed to the disability arena, driven by a desire to give back and ensure that all individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to work and live fulfilling lives.
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