Hidden Cuts, Real Consequences: Why Medicaid Matters to Our Community
- Valley Residential Services
- Mar 3
- 2 min read
There has been a great deal of conversation about long-term care eligibility changes this
legislative session. While lawmakers stated that certain changes were not made, significant cuts to disability services have surfaced in other parts of the state budget, all impacting Medicaid.
These reductions may not be labeled as “Medicaid cuts” in bold print, but they are very real. And they matter deeply to the individuals and families we serve.
What’s Being Cut?
$33.5 million from developmental disability services
This reduction targets day services, including day respite, supported employment, and
community inclusion. It is expected to freeze new admissions and reduce funding for information and family support services that families rely on to navigate complex systems. This directly impacts youth and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families.
$41 million from Medicaid rehabilitation and habilitation services
Adults with disabilities, injuries, and chronic conditions may lose access to physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language services under Medicaid.
$3.4 million in special education funding Through cost shifting in school-based Medicaid programs, local schools may be required to absorb costs previously covered by the state.
What This Means Locally
From what we are seeing, many of the cuts focus on vocational and pre-vocational programs, along with specific therapies. While these reductions may not directly impact Valley Residential Services as an agency, they will affect individuals within our community.
At this point, we will not know the full scope of the impact until the changes are implemented. History tells us that when funding is reduced, access becomes limited, and families are left to fill the gaps.
Disability does not discriminate. These services are not extras; they are lifelines that support
independence, employment, communication, and quality of life.
How You Can Take Action
Advocacy matters. Legislators need to hear directly from the communities they serve.
You can:
Call the Legislative Hotline: 1-800-562-6000
Comment on the budget bill page: https://bit.ly/DontCutMedicaid
Email your legislators directly (firstname.lastname@leg.wa.gov)
Find your district representatives here: https://app.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder/
Suggested message:
“Don’t cut Medicaid. Don’t cut IDD day services. Don’t cut adult rehabilitation therapies. Don’t shift school-based Medicaid costs onto local schools.”
We have been signing petitions and actively advocating. We encourage you to join us. When we speak together, our voices are stronger.
These may look like line items in a budget. But to the families we serve, they represent stability, opportunity, and dignity.
