Medicaid Cuts Threaten Disability Services
What Medicaid Means for People with Disabilities
Medicaid is essential for people with disabilities. It is so much more than health insurance. It also funds disability services that people rely on every day.
Starting in the 1980s, Medicaid began funding home and community-based services (HCBS). Often known as Medicaid Waivers, this funding pays for day-to-day supports so people can choose to live somewhere besides an institution.
Many people rely on these supports to live in their own apartment or be successful in their job. These supports include help with cooking, learning, transportation, and making decisions.
How It Works
The federal government provides funding to states for Medicaid healthcare and long-term services programs. States make their own decisions about eligibility requirements and benefits within the outline of federal rules. States use their tax revenue, combined with federal Medicaid dollars, to pay for these integral services.
In Oregon, the state is responsible for one-third of the cost. Medicaid pays two-thirds. Oregon uses the federal Medicaid match to fund almost all of its services for people with developmental disabilities. Service providers, like Community Vision, get paid directly by the state to provide support for employment and daily living for people with developmental disabilities.
Medicaid Cuts Impact People Directly
These essential services are under threat now.
This summer, Congress passed H.R. 1, a bill that makes big cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs. In Oregon alone, state leaders estimate H.R. 1 will create a $15 billion loss over the next six years.
The cuts are so drastic that state funding cannot fill the gap. Many of the changes start in January 2027, which gives states little time to make hard decisions about how to reduce services.
Community Vision is working with partners across the state to educate our communities and legislators on the critical services funded by Medicaid. We know first-hand how these services directly impact people’s lives.
For example, Nancy spent many years trapped in an institution. But because of Medicaid funding, she is able to live on her own. Nancy is part of our Supported Living Program. Medicaid ensures that her Supported Living team is there to provide physical assistance for all her activities. Nancy gets to choose to spend time creating art, exploring local parks, and connecting with friends. She lives a life that is meaningful to her and wouldn’t be possible without services that are currently funded by Medicaid.
Nancy, and so many like her, rely on Medicaid-funded services every single day.
Medicaid cuts will force big changes in people’s lives. Some people will lose services entirely, which means no one will be there in a crisis or time of uncertainty. Others will be forced into institutions, nursing homes, or hospitals because there is nowhere else to go.
Why Medicaid Matters to Real People
The people we support know from personal experience the day-to-day importance of Medicaid-funded services. Alicia and Matt share a few thought on why Medicaid matters in the videos below.
Alicia
Matt
Join Us
Join with Community Vision as we work to preserve these critical services and commit to being steadfast in ensuring independence, choice, and dignity for people with disabilities.
Your support helps us continue the fight for a world where people with disabilities are included, accepted, and able to live a life they choose.
If you are able, a recurring gift helps us to plan for the instability that we know lies ahead. When you show support for those who need it most, the whole community thrives.
