Budget Reconciliation Issue Brief: Impact on People with Disabilities

Overview of Bill Status and Scope

This brief provides an analysis of the House-passed version of the Budget Reconciliation Bill as of June 6, 2025, incorporating updates from Senate committee text released through June 17, 2025.

At the time of publication, the Senate has not yet finalized its full proposal. Additional changes are expected as the bill moves through the legislative process. This brief will be updated to include any major revisions that could affect the disability community.

Legislative Update: Senate Committee Text Released

On June 11, 2025, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry released its legislative text, building on the House-passed Budget Reconciliation Bill. This was followed by the Senate Finance Committee’s release on June 16, 2025. The Finance Committee’s version introduces new provisions and revisions impacting Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and related health care programs.

While the Senate draft retains many of the proposed program cuts, it also introduces changes that could affect access, enrollment, and coverage for individuals with disabilities and other low-income populations.

The Agriculture Committee’s text includes additional provisions and revisions related to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Further modifications are likely as the bill continues to evolve.

Ongoing Developments and Next Steps

This issue brief reflects the legislative texts as released on June 11 and June 16, 2025. These proposals are subject to change as the reconciliation process continues. We anticipate further amendments and negotiations in the coming weeks. We will continue to monitor developments closely and release updated versions of this brief at regular intervals.

Summaries of Senate-specific changes are provided in Appendix A (Health Provisions) and Appendix B (Nutrition Provisions).

Executive Summary

The proposed budget reconciliation bill introduces substantial changes to critical programs that support individuals with disabilities, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA). These changes are expected to significantly affect food security, access to healthcare, and the overall financial well-being of people with disabilities.

Purpose of the Brief

This brief is intended for policymakers and disability advocates. Its goal is to inform and support a deeper understanding of how the proposed budget reconciliation bill may impact the lives of people with disabilities. It also offers policy recommendations aimed at strengthening protections and improving outcomes for the disability community.

As of June 6, 2025, H.R. 1 has passed the U.S. House of Representatives and is currently under consideration in the U.S. Senate. Senate Republicans have expressed their intent to finalize a version of the bill and return it to the House for approval, aiming to deliver the legislation to the President’s desk by July 4, 2025.

The bill proposes significant changes to key federal programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA). These changes would directly affect eligibility criteria for SNAP and Medicaid, particularly for individuals with disabilities. Notably, the bill introduces work requirements as a condition of eligibility, which could restrict access to essential services for many in the disability community.

Food Assistance

Healthcare

Conclusion

Appendix A: Senate Finance Committee Revisions to the Reconciliation Bill

Appendix B: Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Revisions to the Reconciliation Bill

About Disability Belongs™

Disability Belongs™ is a diverse, disability-led nonprofit that works to create systemic change in how society views and values people with disabilities, and that advances policies and practices that empower people with disabilities to have a better future. Our mission is to drive cultural and policy change to ensure our full representation and influence, creating a more accessible, equitable, and inclusive society.