Journalists, Medicaid is under unprecedented threat—and the impact will be felt nationwide.

As newly elected officials take office, many are considering cuts to Medicaid to fund other priorities like tax cuts, deficit reductions, or shrinking the size of the federal government. While Medicaid has been widely covered—from its role in public health to challenges during the unwinding of pandemic protections—the disability angle is often overlooked. This evolving story is about more than health care; it’s about the dignity, independence, and stability for millions of Americans.

Why This Story Matters

Medicaid is vital to the health and stability and the U.S. health care system and the 80 million Americans it covers, including people with disabilities, children, low-income adults, and seniors. Medicaid provides:

• Home and community-based services (HCBS) that help 4.5 million people with disabilities live, learn, work, and participate in their communities.
• Early intervention for young children, school-based therapies, and equipment and technologies often excluded by private insurance.
• Job skills training, placement, and coaching that enable people with disabilities to find meaningful, integrated employment opportunities.
• $1 of every $6 spent on health care in the U.S., making it the nation’s largest single source of health coverage.
• Support for schools, hospitals, and local economies.

Yet Medicaid is already stretched thin:

• 711,000 people are waiting for HCBS, 73% of which are people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• 40% turnover among care workers due to low reimbursement rates leaves families without critical support, which negative impacts their careers and finances.
• 25+ million Americans lost Medicaid coverage after pandemic protections ended, often due to paperwork issues—not ineligibility.

The Stakes for the Disability Community

Medicaid is the cornerstone of daily life for over 10 million children and adults with disabilities, funding 77% of essential services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Without it:

• Many would lose their independence, forced into nursing homes or state-run institutions.
• States would face severe constraints on eligibility and funding, leaving families across the country without options for vital services.

Why Now

The 2025 federal budget debates will decide Medicaid’s future. Proposed cuts could deepen waiting lists, worsen the care workforce crisis, leave millions uninsured, and destabilize our health care system. Reducing federal funding for Medicaid could also cost states billions annually, leading to an unprecedented rise in uninsured rates and health inequities. Medicaid has overwhelming bipartisan public support—with 75% of Americans viewing the program favorably, so your audience must understand the real-world consequences for people with disabilities and their families.

This story isn’t just about policy—it’s about people like Dianne and her son Jonathan:

“My 31-year-old son Jonathan is a vibrant man who cherishes life. He enjoys nature photography, outdoor activities, music, and time with loved ones—much of which is made possible through Medicaid. At two weeks old, he fell ill with meningitis and is now quadriplegic, non-verbal, and requires round-the-clock care. Medicaid has been crucial for his entire life, from durable medical equipment to in-home support. Without adequate funding and person-centered policies, Jonathan risks losing the life he loves.”

Federal decisions will determine whether families like theirs can access the care they need. Your reporting can illuminate these stakes, drive accountability, and protect Medicaid before it’s too late.

Let’s Connect

For expert analysis or connections to families impacted by Medicaid, contact:

Jackie Dilworth
Director of Communications
The Arc of the United States
Dilworth@TheArc.org