Medicaid Update

We wanted to update you on the activity regarding the proposed 2025 budget from the US Congress.

First, thank you to everyone who’ve contacted their representatives and senators to tell them why Medicaid is important for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). We’ve received feedback from some of our NC congressional representatives that hearing from the people they represent makes a difference.

You’ve been seeing a lot of action alerts and updates from us because we have seen reports that indicate changes to Medicaid funding have been proposed (see the report from the US House Budget Committee). One of the proposed cuts in this report suggests per capita caps for each state. A per capita cap is a defined and set amount of money that is given to states to cover Medicaid costs. The problem with a cap is the money given is usually much less than what is needed. This could result in cuts to programs and services.

The US House Committee on Energy and Commerce, which oversees funding for programs including Medicaid, has been tasked with cutting $880 billion over the next 10 years from their section of the budget. There is concern cuts will be made to Medicaid to help the committee make their goal of $880 billion.

On Tuesday, February 25, the US House of Representatives voted 217-215 to approve their budget resolution, H.Con.Res.14. It will now go to the US Senate so that the senators can review and make suggested changes.

There are many more steps in the legislative process before a final law is adopted.  Both the House and Senate must pass one unified budget resolution which is necessary to authorize budget reconciliation, the actual vehicle through which they can change laws to achieve the cuts. In order to do that, they have to resolve some pretty important questions, such as one or two bills, will the tax cuts be permanently or temporarily extended,  how much agreement is there on deep spending cuts, and what to do about raising the debt limit or continuing federal funding.

Most people living with IDD rely on Medicaid, as it is the primary health insurance for people with disabilities. Medicaid provides the means for home and community-based services (HCBS), direct support professionals (DSP), prescriptions, medical equipment, and assistive technology. HCBS includes day programs outside of the home, employment training programs, respite for caregivers, and educational activities that include learning how to create a budget.

This is why we’ve been asking you to contact your representatives in the US House and US Senate. Changes to Medicaid funding could be devastating for people with IDD and their families. We want representatives to remember as they build out the budget plan, Medicaid for people with IDD needs to remain intact.

Make sure you keep an eye on our Facebook page – we will continue to post our action alerts and updates on the budget process.