On Tuesday, May 13, 2025 the U.S. House Energy and Commerce committee held a markup hearing on its proposal to cut at least $715 billion in federal spending from Medicaid-the largest proposed cuts to the program in history.
The scale of these cuts would blow holes in State budgets and force Wisconsin to reduce services, limit eligibility, or cut provider payments-leading to fewer options and support for people with disabilities and their families. Even a small reduction with daily care needs can be the difference between living independently or being forced into a nursing home or institution.
The proposal includes policies that would directly target people who rely on Medicaid for their daily needs, including:
- Work requirements that would force people to navigate complex red tape to keep coverage, even when they cannot work due to a disability.
- Six-month eligibility checks, which create more paperwork and more chances for people to lose coverage because of administrative errors.
- Higher out-of-pocket costs for people just above the poverty line, many of whom already struggle to afford care.
- Massive cost shifts to states, forcing tough decisions that would reduce access to essential services.
Initial estimates from the Congressional Budget Office indicate that at least 13.7 million people nationwide would lose Medicaid coverage. Nearly 1.3 million Wisconsinites rely on Medicaid today, and people with disabilities are likely to be hit hardest. These cuts would diminish the services that help people live in their communities, access preventive care, and avoid institutionalization. They must be centered in the debate and coverage.
“I’ve seen what Medicaid makes possible for so many people I care about. It’s the difference between living at home with dignity or being forced into an institution. Between education and employment opportunities or isolation. Without it, people with disabilities lose not just care – they lose freedom, stability, and sometimes their lives,” said Sydney Badeau, Advocacy and Outreach Specialist at The Arc Wisconsin. “These cuts aren’t abstract. They will hurt real people in every community across Wisconsin.”
“If Medicaid is cut, I wouldn’t be able to live at my group home or have transportation to events and medical appointments.” Todd is one of many clients who rely on Medicaid to cover the cost of housing and transportation services.
Ben a client who attends day programs, stated, “If Medicaid is cut, I won’t be able to afford my medications.” Ben relies on Medicaid to pay for his medications as well as pay for services like attending our Opportunities Center.
Barb lives in a group home in Fond du Lac with three others. Barb utilizes transportation to attend day program 5 days a week. At the day program Barb enjoys learning about science, weather, and farms. She is in a classroom that allows her to participate in craft activities and help prepare food for luncheons. Medicaid makes it possible for her to not only to do all of these activities, but be in a place that provides emotional support and offers her a healthy environment. Barb stated, “I always feel great about coming into the day program.” Like so many others, Barb relies on Medicaid for doctors’ appointments, transportation, and medications. Without Medicaid, Barb would have to cut the hours she attends day programming and move out of her home. Barb expressed, “I might have to change where I live, I don’t want to move, I enjoy my home and I would miss my roommates.”
Tim lives in a group home in Fond du Lac with three others. He relies on caregivers to help give him medications, transported to appointments and community events. Without Medicaid, Tim would not be able to have the appropriate transportation to travel to these events or appointments. Tim would also not be able to live at his group home.
In addition to the proposed Medicaid cuts, the U.S. House Agriculture Committee also marked up a proposal last night to cut $290 billion, almost 30% from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known in Wisconsin as FoodShare. Two-thirds of Wisconsinites who use SNAP/FoodShare also rely on Medicaid. The intersection of these cuts would compound harm and jeopardize basic needs for survival. With May congressional recess scheduled for May 26-30, The Arc Fond du Lac and The Arc Wisconsin urges residents to meet with their elected officials and demand they reject any budget that cuts Medicaid. These programs are lifelines, not line items-and lives are on the line.
