Families and advocates across North Carolina, particularly in Eastern Carolina, are sounding the alarm as looming federal budget decisions threaten to slash critical Medicaid funding — a move they say would devastate individuals with autism and their families, according to WITN.
At the heart of their concern is a budget proposal passed by the U.S. House Budget Committee directing the Energy and Commerce Committee to cut at least $880 billion over the next decade. This proposal, passed in February and later adopted with Senate amendments, includes guidance that could significantly impact Medicaid — a program vital to thousands of North Carolinians living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
A Lifeline in Jeopardy
For families like Monique Bunn’s in Pitt County, Medicaid is more than just a safety net — it’s a lifeline. Her 7-year-old son, Cameron, has moderate to severe autism and requires a range of therapies to help him function independently. “He’s not self-injurious and he’s not aggressive, but he is extremely sensory-seeking and also has some impulsive behaviors as well, and so we’ve just encountered extreme difficulty with navigating resources,” Bunn explained.
The Autism Society of North Carolina echoed this sentiment. Communications Director David Laxton warned that the proposed cuts could gut vital services like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech and occupational therapy, and especially Innovations Waiver services — a Medicaid-funded program that allows individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live in their communities rather than in institutions.
“We have about 13,000 folks that receive what’s called Innovations Waiver Services. We have a waiting list of about 18,000-19,000 who are waiting and who are eligible, but those slots don’t exist, so it’s actually something where a lot of people are benefiting from it, there’s so many more people that are eligible for it but we don’t have that funding provided just yet and that’s another thing that might be impacted,” Laxton told WITN.
Statewide Impact, Local Fears
Though this is a federal decision, the ripple effects would be deeply felt across the Tar Heel State. The Committee on Energy and Commerce — which oversees Medicaid, Medicare, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program — is expected to submit its list of cuts by May 9th. These decisions could affect everything from mental health care to school-based therapies.
Advocates warn that Medicaid cuts could force autistic individuals into institutional settings like group homes, nursing facilities, or even jails, due to a lack of support in the community. Without Medicaid, many North Carolina families would be unable to afford essential services, especially in rural and low-income areas where access is already limited.
Bipartisan Support, but Uncertain Future
Despite the dire warnings, some North Carolina lawmakers are speaking up. Pitt County Rep. Gloristine Brown emphasized, “It’s not a Democratic or Republican thing—it shouldn’t be. It’s a people thing. This is something that is going to help everyone.”
Fellow Pitt County Representative Dr. Tim Reeder agreed, stating, “I know that this funding is critical to take care of some of the most vulnerable in North Carolina. We have enabled access to health care coverage to over 600,000 North Carolinians with Medicaid expansion. I urge Congress to maintain this funding.”
What’s at Stake for NC Families
If Medicaid cuts go through, North Carolina’s autism community could face:
- Reduced Access to Therapy – Medicaid funds therapies like ABA and speech therapy. Cuts could result in fewer therapy hours or the loss of services altogether.
- Longer Wait Times – Fewer providers may accept Medicaid, increasing waitlists. With more than 10-year waits already for some services, delays could be catastrophic.
- Increased Financial Burden – Out-of-pocket costs for autism therapies can run into thousands of dollars monthly, a burden many families simply can’t bear.
- School-Based Service Reductions – Public schools rely on Medicaid to support special education services. Cuts could mean fewer resources for students with autism.
- Greater Barriers for Rural and Low-Income Families – Families outside major cities or with limited financial means would be hit hardest by service losses and access gaps.
How Families Can Respond
Advocacy groups urge families to stay informed and take action:
- Call or write members of Congress to share how Medicaid supports their loved ones.
- Join local or statewide autism organizations to amplify their voices.
- Attend town halls and public hearings where healthcare funding is discussed.
As the May 9th deadline approaches, North Carolina’s autism community remains on edge, watching closely as federal lawmakers weigh decisions that could shape the future of care for thousands across the state.
