The U.S. House is working on a federal budget that could cut funding for Medicaid and important programs that support people with disabilities. These potential cuts would hurt people with autism who need services to live and work in their communities.
Right now, members of the House are making decisions about how to put into action $880 billion in health care cuts over the next ten years. Potential cuts include Medicaid, protection and advocacy services, Developmental Disability Councils, and more.
Cuts to Medicaid would be devastating in North Carolina
- Medicaid services like the Innovations Waiver, 1915i services, and public health programs would be at risk.
- For every dollar our state spends on Medicaid, the federal government provides about three dollars (75%).
- For the Medicaid expansion group, the federal government covers about 90%.
North Carolina already has more than 18,700 people on a 10+ year waiting list for Innovations Waiver services. Cuts will make it even harder for people with autism to get the help they need.
Act Now: Contact your U.S. House Representative this week!
Step 1: Find your Representative
Look up your U.S. House member here: Find Your Legislators.
Be sure to select āU.S. Houseā before entering your address.
Step 2: Call and email your Representative
Tell them:
- I am a constituent from [your NC city and zip code].
- I am a person with autism / a family member / a professional in the autism field.
- Medicaid is a lifeline for people with autism and disabilities.
- [If applicable] My family depends on Medicaid services like [Innovations Waiver, 1915i supports, behavioral therapy, etc.].
- Please protect programs that help people with disabilities live and work in the community.
- Please do not cut or cap Medicaid funding.
Tip: Share a short personal story about how Medicaid services help you or your loved one.
Why this matters
Medicaid waiver programs (like NCās Innovations Waiver, CAP programs, 1915i services and more) help people with autism and other intellectual/developmental disabilities live in their own homes, go to school, work jobs, and be part of their communities. Cuts would take away those opportunities.
If these budget cuts happen:
- Waiting lists for disability services that are already 10-12 years will grow even longer, and services may be severely limited. NC General Assembly legislators have already introduced a bill to create a committee that would determine cuts to these types of optional services.
- States may decide to stop providing services like 1915i supports, behavioral therapy, personal care, and mental health care could be cut.
- Coverage for intensive behavior services (including ABA) for children under Medicaidās EPSDT could end.
- Schools could lose Medicaid funds used for helping students, adding more pressure on teachers and schools.
- Families may have to pay out of pocket for servicesāor lose access completely.
Keep advocating
š¢ Call today! If you have already called, call again. Every call is counted.
Contacts for North Carolina House Representatives
| Name | Phone Number | Contact Form |
| Congressman Don Davis |
202-225-3101 | Contact Form |
| Congresswoman Deborah Ross |
202-225-3032 | Contact Form |
| Congressman Gregory Murphy |
202-225-3415 | Contact Form |
| Congresswoman Valerie Foushee |
202-225-1784 | Contact Form |
| Congresswoman Virginia Foxx |
202-225-2071 | Contact Form |
| Congressman Addison McDowell |
202-225-3065 | Contact Form |
| Congressman David Rouzer |
202-225-2731 | Contact Form |
| Congressman Mark Harris |
202-225-1976 | Contact Form |
| Congressman Richard Hudson |
202-225-3715 | Contact Form |
| Congressman Pat Harrigan |
202-225-2576 | Contact Form |
| Congressman Chuck Edwards |
202-225-6401 | Contact Form |
| Congresswoman Alma Adams |
202-225-1510 | Contact Form |
| Congressman Brad Knott |
202-225-4531 | Contact Form |
| Congressman Tim Moore |
202-225-5634 | Contact Form |
Additional resources
- Learn more about Medicaid and how it supports people with disabilities: Plain Language Guide to Medicaid by ASAN.
- Find out how to advocate with your elected officials on our Make Your Voice Heard webpage.
Thank you
Thank you for speaking up for people with autism and disabilities. Your voice makes a difference!
Autism Society of North Carolina
www.autismsociety-nc.org
Tags: Advocate for Medicaid, autism medicaid, NC House Representative Go back