Disabled and Denied: The Impact of Medicaid Home Care Cuts on Individuals and Families
The series "Disabled and Denied" explores the impact of Medicaid home care cuts on disabled individuals and their families. Medicaid-funded home care services have long supported disabled and elderly Americans in living independently. However, recent state and federal changes are threatening this vital system.
President Trump's proposed budget aims to reduce federal Medicaid spending by nearly $1 trillion over the next decade. Some officials and activists view home care as wasteful and fraudulent. The Justice Department has shifted its stance on a key Supreme Court ruling protecting disabled individuals' right to community-based services.
The Trump administration asserts that its focus is on eliminating waste and abuse in Medicaid, rather than targeting disability programs. Despite the major federal cuts set to take effect next year, the system is already under strain. Some states have reduced wages and hours for paid family caregivers, while fraud investigations have disrupted care for innocent families.
Algorithmic assessments have also led to cuts in caregiving for some disabled individuals. The potential consequences of these changes are significant for families who rely on these programs, as they fear the unraveling of a system that has supported disabled and older Americans in living outside of institutions.
If you have been affected by these Medicaid cuts, we want to hear from you. Share your experiences by completing the form below.