Medicaid Cuts Expected to Reduce Services for Millions with Disabilities, Seniors Across Multiple States

Proposed Medicaid cuts at both state and federal levels are raising serious concerns across the U.S., with advocates warning they would severely harm low-income families, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities. In Ohio, the Senate's budget proposal includes provisions that could eliminate the Medicaid expansion program and reduce continuous coverage for young children, threatening access to essential health and support services. Nationally, Senate Republicans are pushing for deep Medicaid funding reductions that could slash federal spending by over $700 billion in the next decade, prompting healthcare workers and disability advocates to lobby against the cuts due to their potential to overwhelm hospitals and community care providers. Kansas disability advocates are alarmed by leaked federal budget proposals that could reduce funding for developmental disability assistance and mental health programs by more than 64%, potentially devastating services for vulnerable populations. In Wisconsin, Medicaid work requirements tied to the Republican-backed reconciliation package could result in over 60,000 individuals losing coverage, though state leaders argue these cuts only affect able-bodied adults not meeting work or exemption criteria. Overall, these proposals are creating widespread fear that Medicaid cuts will dismantle critical healthcare access and support systems for millions of Americans.