On Tuesday evening, February 25, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed its budget resolution, which includes cutting $880,000 billion from Medicaid over the next ten years. The resolution now goes to the U.S. Senate for a vote.
The Medicaid cuts included in the House budget resolution will directly and negatively impact people with autism in North Carolina and across the country. Medicaid provides vital healthcare and community-based supports and services. It is often the only funding source for long-term support services that make it possible for individuals with autism to live and work in their community rather than in more costly institutions.
What does this mean for North Carolina?
In North Carolina, 65% of funding for Medicaid services comes from the federal government. Caps, or reductions, in Medicaid funding from the federal government will mean cuts to services to people with autism and other intellectual or developmental disabilities in our state.
Medicaid services in North Carolina
In North Carolina, Medicaid pays for:
- Home- and community-based services through waivers like the Innovations Waiver and other community services like 1915i.
- Services provided in intermediate care facilities, group homes, and other residential settings.
- Health care (routine and emergency care), rehabilitation services like physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, dental care, eye care, and medications.
- Clinical treatment such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and outpatient/in-patient therapy.
- In-school service for some Medicaid-eligible students.
Act now!
The time is now! As the U.S. House resolution moves to the U.S. Senate for a vote, 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 tell them:
- I am a constituent from [your NC city, zip code] and 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. 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.
Visit our Medicaid Advocacy webpage for more information.
Your voice matters! Thank you for advocating for North Carolinians with autism.
The Autism Society of North Carolina