The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is sounding the alarm about proposed federal changes that could have devastating consequences for Georgians with disabilities. Specifically, GCDD is urging Georgia’s disability community to speak out about the possibility of Congress making cuts to Medicaid and changes to Social Security Income (SSI), services that Georgians, including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), heavily rely on.
The federal government is currently considering $2.17 trillion in cuts to Medicaid funding. These proposed reductions could severely affect the nearly 2 million Georgians who depend on Medicaid for their healthcare needs. For individuals with disabilities, Medicaid provides much more than just health insurance—it’s a lifeline. Medicaid ensures access to vital healthcare services and enables people with disabilities to receive the support they need to live independently in their communities. Without sufficient funding, many of these supports could disappear, placing increased pressure on families and caregivers across the state.
Among the most significant areas at risk are:
- Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), such as the NOW/COMP waivers, which support individuals in living and working in their communities rather than in institutional settings.
- Essential healthcare services, including hospital services, visits to physicians, laboratory and x-ray services, and home health care—services that many people with disabilities cannot go without.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder assessments and treatments for children, which are key to early intervention and improved long-term outcomes.
- Katie Beckett Program services, which help children with significant disabilities receive medical care at home instead of in hospitals or nursing homes.
In addition to the proposed Medicaid cuts, Congress is also exploring changes to Social Security Income (SSI) that could dramatically reduce access for those who need it most. These changes include altering the eligibility criteria by lowering the resource limit from $400 to $0, introducing a sliding scale to determine benefit amounts, and implementing stricter requirements such as mandating school attendance for children receiving SSI.
GCDD is calling on community members, families, service providers, and advocates to take swift action. “GCDD is asking the disability community in Georgia to speak out and contact their representatives in Congress why Medicaid cuts and changes to SSI could impact their lives and how cuts would financially impact communities. This bill will move through Congress fast. A first vote could come in early February, which is why GCDD is asking Georgia’s disability community to act now.”
Time is of the essence. The decisions made in Washington will have long-term consequences for Georgians with disabilities and their families. GCDD emphasizes that proactive outreach—letters, phone calls, and personal stories—can make a meaningful difference in shaping the outcome of this legislation. By raising their voices now, Georgia’s residents can stand up not just for themselves, but for the broader disability community whose future hangs in the balance.
To learn more about how you can get involved and help protect critical services, visit the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities website or reach out to your congressional representative today.
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