Medicaid is the backbone of New York State’s Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) service system. With roughly half of its funding coming from the federal government, any cuts to Medicaid could have serious consequences for the support services provided to individuals with IDD. That’s why it’s so important to act now and make your voice heard in defense of Medicaid.

Where We Stand Today

The battle over Medicaid funding is heating up in Congress. The House of Representatives is considering a reconciliation bill that could cut $880 billion from Medicaid over the next decade. While the Senate prefers a delayed approach to spending cuts, these cuts could be devastating to individuals who rely on Medicaid for critical services.

Proposed changes to Medicaid could include:

  • Requiring able-bodied adults to work in order to qualify for Medicaid
  • Reversing the Affordable Care Act expansion
  • Reducing federal funding to states
  • Placing caps on per-person Medicaid costs

Even though people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) aren’t the direct targets of these cuts, any reduction in funding could lead to a loss of essential services in New York.

How You Can Help

Now is the time to act. Here are three key steps you can take to make a difference:

1. Contact Your Representatives

Encourage employees, board members, people who receive supports, and natural supports to contact their Congressional representatives. You can use this link to send emails to representatives and share how important Medicaid is to you: Email Your Representative.

Additionally, please consider calling your representatives. A script and phone numbers are available on the site to make it easier for you to voice your concerns.

2. Write Letters to the Editor

Letters to the editor in local newspapers can have a huge impact. We encourage everyone—families, employees, board members, and others—to submit their stories and opinions about Medicaid cuts. If needed, you can find background information here: ANCOR Medicaid Info.

3. Use Social Media to Spread the Word

Social media is a powerful tool for advocacy. Share ANCOR’s social media advocacy kit with your agency’s communications team to help spread awareness: Social Media Advocacy Kit.

BONUS Step: Meet with Your Member of Congress

If you have a relationship with a member of Congress, take the opportunity to reach out to them directly. DDAWNY is working on setting up virtual meetings with Representatives Nick Langworthy and Claudia Tenney. If your agency is located in their districts, let us know if you’d like to participate.

Rep. Nick Langworthy’s District: Chautauqua, Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben Counties, and parts of Erie County
Rep. Langworthy’s District Map

Rep. Claudia Tenney’s District: Wayne, Oswego, Seneca, Yates, Ontario, Livingston, Orleans, Wyoming, Genesee Counties, and parts of other counties
Rep. Tenney’s District Map

Why This Matters

Over 70 million Americans rely on Medicaid for healthcare, including many who live in both red and blue states. While Medicaid has been resistant to deep cuts in the past, the current proposal to slash funding could risk losing critical services for individuals with IDD, which could ripple throughout the entire system.

By acting now—whether through emails, phone calls, letters to the editor, or social media—you can help protect Medicaid funding and ensure that those with IDD continue to receive the support they need.

Thank you for your continued advocacy and support!