Critical Support for Children

Lydia, a 12-year-old girl, has received early intervention and special education services since age 3. Through Medicaid Lydia received speech, physical, and occupational therapies, as well as respite care for her mother. When she started school, she qualified for special education services, including assistive technology for her speech delays and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for her other needs.

Cuts to Medicaid would significantly impact Lydia's education, development, and social-emotional growth. It would remove access to crucial assistive technology, increase her mother's out-of-pocket costs for care, and limit access to therapy and support services. Medicaid currently helps fund therapies, technology, and personal supports, and without it, Lydia's progress in her IEP goals would be jeopardized.