The 2025 federal budget deliberations taking place in Washington, D.C., put Medicaid at unprecedented risk. The Budget Committeeās most recent draft instructs the Energy and Commerce Committee, which funds Medicaid, to cut at least $880 billion from its budget over the next 10 years. Medicaid is crucial for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), including individuals on the autism spectrum. Cuts to its funding would have wide-ranging consequences for those receiving healthcare and other services through Medicaid.
Why is Medicaid important?
Medicaid provides vital healthcare and community-based supports and is critical for children and adults on the autism spectrum. It covers the majority of the cost for essential services on which people with I/DD rely. It is often the only funding source for long-term support services that make it possible for people to live and work in their community rather than in costly institutions.
Medicaid in North Carolina provides a wide range of services for individuals with autism and their families: services such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), job skills training, healthcare appointments, physical and occupational therapy, as well as home and community services that support people with daily living activities.
What do Medicaid cuts mean for people with autism?
Funding cuts and caps to Medicaid would have devastating consequences for North Carolinians with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Many could lose their independence and face institutionalization in nursing homes, prisons or state facilities. The state could grapple with drastically reduced funding and eligibility restrictions, leaving autistic individuals and families desperate for vital services.
Innovations Waiver waiting lists, now with waits of more than 10 years, would increase. Crucial services like behavioral therapy, personal care, mental health treatment, and waiver programs (i.e., Innovations Waiver) could disappear entirely.
Act now to support Medicaid
Your voice matters
Medicaid enjoys strong bipartisan support across the country, with most Americans having a personal connection to the program and a positive view of its benefits. You can play a vital role in protecting Medicaid.
Contact your U.S. Senators (Senator Thom Tillis, 202-224-6342 and Senator Ted Budd, 202-224-3154) and your House Representative (U.S. House Representative list) and tell them:
- I am a constituent from [your NC city, zip code]. I oppose Medicaid cuts and caps.
- I am a person with autism/a family member/a professional in the autism field.
- Medicaid is a lifeline for people on the autism spectrum. [If applicable] My family depends on Medicaid for services/supports. (Share a brief personal story.)
- Do not cut or cap Medicaid funding. North Carolina already has a 10+ year waiting list for waiver services. Cuts to Medicaid will harm people who rely on Medicaid and make it harder for North Carolina to provide care.
Raise awareness
Help raise awareness about the importance of Medicaid for individuals with autism, and the devastating impact of potential cuts. Share your own experiences with your community and encourage others to speak up and advocate for this critical program.
Learn more about the Autism Society of North Carolina and its public policy work on our Public Policy Priorities webpage.
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