There is nothing “beautiful” about The One Big Beautiful Bill when you examine what’s inside. For disabled Americans, this bill could strip away hard-won rights, services, and basic dignity.
Here’s what’s at risk:
Home and Community-Based Care Slashed
Section 44111 cuts federal support for home and community-based care. Millions of disabled adults depend on in-home aides and support services to live independently in their communities, not institutions. If this bill passes, how do lawmakers plan to fill the gap? Without these services, more disabled Americans will face forced institutionalization and loss of autonomy.
Expanded Work Requirements for SNAP
Section 10002 expands work requirements for SNAP (food stamps). Many disabled adults face barriers to traditional employment. Is it just to deny food assistance to those who physically cannot meet these new requirements? This provision puts hunger on the table for some of our most vulnerable neighbors.
Reduced Retroactive Medicaid Coverage
Section 44122 reduces retroactive Medicaid coverage from 3 months to just 1 month. Many disabled people don’t even get diagnosed until a medical crisis occurs. By limiting coverage, the bill leaves people unable to afford lifesaving care when they need it most. Why would we make emergency healthcare harder to access?
Higher Medicaid Costs for Low-Income Disabled People
Section 44142 allows states to increase charges for Medicaid services. Many disabled people live on fixed incomes. What happens when they can’t afford these new fees? Will they go without essential healthcare just because they can’t pay?
Medicaid Ban for Those Struggling to Verify Citizenship
Section 44110 bans Medicaid access for people who can’t verify their citizenship. Disabled legal immigrants—including children and elderly parents—could lose healthcare simply due to paperwork issues. Is this the kind of nation we want to be?
Cuts to Education Supports
Though not in a single section, the bill reduces federal support for schools across several areas, including Section 42107. How will schools continue to fund autism supports, speech therapy, and aides under these cuts?
Weakened ADA Protections
Section 3301 weakens the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by adding new delays that make it harder for disabled people to challenge discrimination and inaccessibility. Why are we making it harder—not easier—for disabled Americans to fight for their rights?
Rollback of Employment Programs
Section 3801 rolls back programs that help disabled adults find and keep employment. How will disabled Americans achieve economic independence without these supports?
Reduced Access to Long-Term Care
Sections 44109 and 44111 together make it harder to qualify for long-term care, while cutting community-based services. Without options, more disabled people will face institutionalization. How can any lawmaker justify forcing people from their homes into facilities?
The Big Picture: Death by a Thousand Cuts
Taken together, these provisions threaten every aspect of life for disabled Americans: healthcare, food security, education, employment, and independent living. The consequences of this bill are not abstract. They mean the difference between living a life of dignity and being pushed into institutional settings with fewer protections.
Every lawmaker who supports this bill must be asked: What in this bill helps disabled Americans? How does it serve the people of their state?
The disability community is watching. Our dignity is not negotiable.
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