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Autism Society of North Carolina Public Policy updates:

• State and Federal Budget Updates
  • Key takeaways
• North Carolina State Budget Update
• U.S. Federal Budget Update
• Act Now
• With Our Thanks

 

State and Federal Budget Updates

Both state and federal lawmakers are currently working to finalize their budgets, which significantly affect services for people with autism and other disabilities.

Key takeaways:

• North Carolina’s House budget includes no new Innovations Waiver slots and no Direct Support Professional (DSP) wage increases.
• Federal proposals include major cuts to Medicaid that could reduce coverage and services for individuals with autism and other Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities (ID/D).
• Your advocacy is crucial in protecting essential supports for people with autism.

 

North Carolina State Budget Update

The NC House has released its version of the state budget (SB 257). You can view the full proposal on the NC General Assembly website under the “Committee Report” and “Bill Text” sections.

What is in the House Budget:

• No new Innovations Waiver slots
• No additional wage increases for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)
• $4 million increase for Medicaid rates for:
  • Speech/language therapies
  • Durable medical equipment
  • Select other services
• Funding cut for the Healthy Opportunities pilot
• 2.5% teacher pay raise
• Slight increase in special education funding cap (from 13% to 13.25%)
• No increase in community college funding for ID/D workforce training

 

Next Steps: The House passed its budget on May 22, 2025. Since the Senate is unlikely to approve the budget as-is, a Budget Conference Committee will be formed to resolve differences. The North Carolina General Assembly (NCGA) reconvenes on June 2 to begin that process.

U.S. Federal Budget Update

The U.S. House has passed its federal budget proposal. Appropriations committees are working on a major budget package that includes $625 billion in cuts and major Medicaid policy changes.

Proposed Medicaid changes include:

• Reducing federal matching funds
• Adding cost-sharing requirements
• Work requirements for expansion beneficiaries
• More frequent Medicaid-eligibility checks
• Tying Medicaid rates to Medicare
• Changes to “Provider Tax” regulations

 

Why It Matters: These proposed cuts could jeopardize services for the 18,700+ people on the Innovations Waiver waiting list and roll back recent progress.

 

Act Now

Medicaid-funded programs such as North Carolina’s Innovations Waiver, 1915i, TBI Waiver, and CAP allow people with serious disabilities to live in their own homes, hold jobs, and receive vital treatments and services. Call Your U.S. Senators and tell them to oppose Medicaid cuts and caps that affect individuals with disabilities. 

North Carolina Senators

Senator Ted Budd
202-224-3154
Contact Form
Local Office Info

Senator Thom Tillis
202-224-6342
Contact Form
Local Office Info

What to say

• I am a constituent from [Your NC city, zip code].
• 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.
• Do not cut or cap Medicaid funding that affects individuals with disabilities. NC already has a 10+ year waiting list for waiver services.
• Cuts will harm people who rely on Medicaid and make it harder for NC to provide care.

 

With Our Thanks

Thank you for advocating for North Carolinians with autism. Your efforts help protect access to essential services and improve the quality of life for individuals and families across the state.

To stay informed, please sign up for Autism Society of North Carolina public policy updates and action alerts on our website here. More information about Medicaid advocacy can be found in the Autistic Self Advocacy Network’s Guide to Medicaid.

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