United States of America Speaker
The US Congress has passed a bill that includes nearly $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts, which disability advocates warn will severely impact crucial services for disabled people nationwide. The bill, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, adds work requirements for Medicaid recipients, increases eligibility checks, and restricts federal funding for states.
This new and drastic changes will likely lead to: Reduced Access to Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS): HCBS helps disabled people live outside institutions, but states may target these services first due to funding cuts. Over 700,000 people are already waiting for Medicaid waiver slots to access HCBS.
Increased Paperwork and Lost Coverage: Stricter work requirements and eligibility checks may lead to coverage loss for millions, including 2.6 million adults with disabilities who don’t have Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
Impact on Rural Communities: Rural hospitals are at risk of closure due to reduced Medicaid funding, and disabled people in these areas may face reduced access to healthcare.
Disability advocates strongly disagree with the Republican argument that the bill won’t harm people with disabilities. They warn that the cuts will :
- Slash School Health Services: Medicaid funds essential school health services, including speech therapy and physical rehabilitation, which may be cut due to reduced funding.
Increase Burden on Families: Families may struggle to access necessary services, leading to real harm in their homes, schools, and communities.
Disability advocates strongly disagree with the Republican argument that the bill won’t harm people with disabilities. They warn that the cuts will ²:
- Slash School Health Services: Medicaid funds essential school health services, including speech therapy and physical rehabilitation, which may be cut due to reduced funding.
- Increase Burden on Families: Families may struggle to access necessary services, leading to real harm in their homes, schools, and communities.
The bill’s effects are expected to last for generations, with potential consequences including ¹:
- 16 million people potentially losing health insurance coverage
- 11.8 million people losing Medicaid coverage
- $490 billion in Medicare cuts from 2027 to 2034
President Donald Trump is expected to sign the bill into law soon, despite opposition from Democrats and disability advocates .
