On behalf of Disability Belongs™, a diverse, nonpartisan, disability-led nonprofit that drives cultural and policy change, we express deep concern about proposed federal budget cuts to essential programs that millions of Americans rely on—especially people with disabilities, older adults, and underserved communities.
Cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid would have devastating consequences for individuals who already face systemic barriers to food security, quality healthcare, and economic stability.
SNAP is a vital program that helps more than 40 million Americans each month put food on the table, with an average benefit of just $2 per meal per day. It plays a key role in reducing food insecurity and supporting health and well-being across the country. Substantial cuts to SNAP, the nation’s most successful food assistance program, will potentially put millions of people across the U.S. at risk of not having enough to eat. It is particularly concerning that many SNAP recipients are individuals or families with disabilities, who already face lower incomes and higher rates of poverty, material hardships, and chronic food insecurity.
Proposed federal changes would require states to cover a portion of SNAP costs for the first time in the history of the program. This shift in funding responsibility could cost states billions, making it nearly impossible for many states to adequately meet the nutritional needs of their residents and fostering further inequities across state lines.
Medicaid is another foundational safety net program under threat. Proposed cuts to Medicaid and the corresponding increase in responsibility on states to make up the difference threaten the more than 71 million people who rely on this program for health coverage. This is particularly concerning, because Medicaid is the only insurance in the United States that covers home- and community-based services, which keep disabled people in their communities with support, rather than in institutions. Furthermore, many disabled individuals require regular medical attention and consistent access to medication and other therapies, and any reduction in Medicaid funding could severely limit our community’s access to essential care. Proposed cuts could also hinder our capacity to manage daily life tasks and lead to dire health consequences.
These cuts and more stringent program requirements also risk undermining employment opportunities for many, as access to Medicaid coverage enables disabled individuals to participate in the workforce. It is worth noting that most adults under age 65 enrolled in Medicaid are already working. Imposing new work requirements and burdensome administrative hurdles, therefore, is not only unnecessary; it is punitive and often disproportionately impacts critically underserved communities.
“Drastic decisions like these, made swiftly and with little regard to the long-term consequences, threaten the well-being, health, and security of millions of families,” said Ariel Simms, President and CEO of Disability Belongs™. “For the disability community and older adults, these programs are not only essential to survival, they often mean the difference between being forced into an institution and meaningful participation in all aspects of community life. The proposed cuts are not just dangerous—they are dehumanizing. Congress must prioritize people over politics by engaging in a robust and bipartisan budget process that deeply considers the implications of these proposed cuts, including to our country’s economic health.”
Our community is alarmed by the proposed changes to these critical programs that serve millions. Protecting and investing in these programs is vital, as they allow individuals to access fundamental necessities for survival, including healthcare, nutritious food, and community services. Disability Belongs™ urges Congress to reject these harmful budget proposals and instead protect and expand the programs that empower people with disabilities and older adults to live with dignity, choice, and opportunity.
Take Action
We need you to urge your Senators and Member of the House of Representatives to protect SNAP and Medicaid and reject harmful cuts to these programs.
