Idaho lawmakers are considering deep cuts to Medicaid that would severely limit access to speech, occupational, and physical therapy. These services are lifelines for Autistic people and individuals with disabilities — across the lifespan.
Earlier this month, Idaho’s Department of Health and Welfare capped therapy visits at 20 sessions per year, retroactive to January 1. The Governor’s proposed FY2027 budget includes $45 million in Medicaid cuts, impacting:
- Speech, occupational, and physical therapy
- Home- and community-based services
- Hospitals and hospice care
- Families and self-advocates are speaking out at the Capitol because these cuts would:
- Take away independence adults have worked decades to build
- Stall or reverse progress for children who rely on therapy to walk, communicate, and participate in daily life
- Force families into impossible financial choices
- Hurt local providers and small therapy businesses
These are not “optional services.” They are essential supports that make community living possible.
TAKE ACTION
If you live in Idaho, your voice matters right now. Lawmakers need to hear the real-life impact of these cuts on Autistic people, people with developmental disabilities, and their families.
Tell them:
- Do not cap medically necessary therapy visits
- Protect Medicaid-funded therapies and home- and community-based services
- Center the lived experiences of people with disabilities and families
- Restore revenue rather than cutting essential care
Email your Idaho legislators and Governor Brad Little today