July 8, 2025, Rockville, MD – The Autism Society of America is disheartened by the passage of the budget reconciliation bill, which initiates a dire regression for supporting people with disabilities and their families. Rather than investing in the supports and services our community urgently needs, this bill includes deep and harmful cuts of over 1 trillion dollars in Medicaid, threatens public education funding, and destabilizes state budgets by shifting responsibilities without adequate funding. The Autism Society continues to fiercely advocate alongside the disability community, educate policymakers, and develop resources as families navigate changes in care and services.

“These cuts will have dire real-life consequences that disrupt lives and put futures at risk,” shared Tracey Staley, Board Chair at the Autism Society of America. “Medicaid is not a luxury – it’s a lifeline for Autistic individuals and millions of others with disabilities, and this legislation will impact our nation’s most marginalized populations.”

Medicaid is essential for millions of Autistic individuals who rely on it for healthcare, home-and-community-based services (HCBS), and long-term support. Over the next 10 years, up to 10 million people will lose access to Medicaid. For the Autism community, this can impact critical medication coverage, like treatments for seizure disorders, respite care, in-home direct support professionals, therapies and interventions, and the general well-being of Autistic individuals and their families.

By shifting federal costs to states without sufficient funding, the bill puts state budgets at risk. States may be forced to reduce Medicaid eligibility, cut essential education and healthcare services, and eliminate optional programs like HCBS. These cuts are set to begin in 2026 and continue through 2035. The Autism Society will continue to prepare resources and guidance to help families and individuals advocate and navigate the anticipated changes in care, coverage, and services.

The bill also establishes a nationwide voucher scholarship tax credit program that risks diverting critical funding away from public education and disability services. Unlike public schools, private options are not required to provide the protections and individualized supports guaranteed under federal law. This shift, combined with the Executive Order to dismantle the Department of Education, layoffs to the Department’s Office of Civil Rights, and federal funding being withheld, threatens to widen disparities and increase burdens on families already navigating complex systems.

The Autism Society urges policymakers to listen to the voices of people with disabilities and their families as it works to implement this bill, and other policy changes. We are deeply grateful for the thousands of people who have sent action alerts through our Action Center, shared their personal Medicaid journeys, and rallied with disability groups at Capitol Hill to protect their civil rights. While we have tirelessly worked to educate legislators on the devastating, real-life impact of these cuts, our advocacy will not stop here. We remain steadfast in our commitment to protect Medicaid, strengthen public education, and ensure every Autistic person can access the services and supports they need to thrive.

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