Why Medicaid is Essential

Medicaid isn’t just a health insurance program—it’s a lifeline. For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Medicaid provides funding for:

• Home and community-based services (HCBS)

• Direct support professionals (DSPs) aka L’Arche care assistants

• Assistive technology

• Supported employment

• Transportation and more

These supports make it possible for people to live in homes—not institutions—and to lead full, connected lives in their communities.

Cuts Would Be Devastating

Recent proposals at both the federal and state levels threaten to reduce or cap Medicaid funding. For many people with IDD, Medicaid is the only source of support that allows them to live, work, and thrive in community. These cuts would have serious and far-reaching consequences. They would:

• Jeopardize the independence and safety of people with IDD

• Undermine wages and stability for direct support workers

• Increase the risk of institutionalization

• Put pressure on families and caregivers

These changes would undo years of advocacy and progress. We cannot let this happen. It’s time to speak up.

L’Arche’s Commitment

L’Arche USA Board Statement on Potential Medicaid Cuts

For over five decades, L’Arche USA has advanced the rights and inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Today, we support over 300 people with disabilities nationwide. We believe that mutual relationships among people with and without IDD reveal the unique value of every person.

Medicaid cuts will prevent people with IDD from thriving in their communities. The recent proposal to decrease the federal budget deficit by $880 billion depends largely on devastating cuts to federal Medicaid funding, posing a severe threat to the health of all who rely on it. Reduced funding for Home and Community-Based Services—which help individuals remain in L’Arche homes and avoid institutionalization—would have devastating consequences. Elimination of Day Program funding means that people with IDD will lose daily opportunities to participate in meaningful work, service, and other forms of community integration. Many will be consigned to join the loneliness epidemic spreading in our country. Nationwide, millions of people with IDD will lose access to healthcare, employment, and vital support services. Such actions contradict L’Arche’s core values.

We believe every person has the right to life, care, a home, education, and work, as well as the opportunity to love and be loved.

We ask policymakers to consider the profound impact these proposed cuts will have on individuals and families who rely on Medicaid for critical support. We urge Congress to reject any caps or cuts to Medicaid funding or additional work requirements for those receiving Medicaid funding. We advocate for policies that promote inclusion, respect, and the empowerment of all individuals, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities to thrive.

L’Arche USA stands ready to collaborate with all partners to find solutions that uphold the rights and dignity of people with IDD. We invite you to contact your representatives in Congress to urge them to stand with people with IDD and reject any cuts to Medicaid.

– The Board of Directors of L’Arche USA

More Resources

Learn more & dive deeper with these resources from our team, partner organizations, and trusted sources.

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