Th July 2025 Policy Education Committee meeting covered major developments in North Carolina and across the country that affect Medicaid, food assistance (SNAP), disability services, housing, and more.

North Carolina (State) Updates

No New Budget Yet: NC lawmakers haven’t passed a new state budget. For now, the government is using last year’s budget under a "continuing resolution."

Healthcare Workforce Law Passed (HB 67): This law helps expand the healthcare workforce by allowing people to qualify as QPs (Qualified Professionals) with a 2-year degree instead of 4 years. It also covers areas like psychology and pharmacy.

Disaster Recovery Support: Governor Josh Stein signed a law to help with disaster recovery in Western NC.

Healthy Opportunities Pilots: These Medicaid pilots offer services like housing and transportation for better health. They were in danger of being cut but might be saved through new Senate efforts.

Housing Work Underway: There's a push to use state housing programs (like Targeting Key and SHDP) more for people with developmental disabilities. Advocates want to expand access and secure more units.

Federal Policy Updates: Cuts and Changes to Medicaid, SNAP & Taxes

Medicaid Cuts: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act includes major cuts to federal Medicaid funding, forcing states like NC to make tough decisions about services.

Stricter Medicaid Rules

• Eligibility checks are now done every 6 months (used to be once a year).
• New “work requirements” (called “community engagement”) for some adults.

Food Stamp (SNAP) Cuts

• Fewer people will qualify.
• States now must share the cost.
• Many worry that families, including people with disabilities, will go hungry.

Tax Cuts

• Includes personal tax cuts (e.g., for parents and older adults).
• Critics say the gains are uneven and short-term.

Unknown Impact on NC Medicaid Expansion: The bill may trigger a rollback of Medicaid expansion in NC, putting coverage for ~700,000 people at risk.

A Small Ray of Hope

New Federal Funding for Services: $150 million will be available in 2026–2027 for states to create new Medicaid waivers (like NC’s Innovations waiver) for people who don’t need institutional care.

Could help reduce long waitlists.
Advocates hope to use this for children and others not currently well-served.
It’s not automatic—NC would need to apply for the funds.

Other Federal Issues

Department of Education & Labor Cuts

• Over $6 billion in education funds were frozen.
• The Department of Labor dropped its plan to end subminimum wages for people with disabilities (disappointing many advocates).

Rule Change on Building Accessibility Delayed

• The Department of Energy delayed its rollback of accessibility standards after receiving heavy public backlash.

Federal Budget Process Delayed

• Funding decisions for vital services are now pushed to September.
• This delay raises the risk of a government shutdown or more temporary “band-aid” funding (continuing resolutions).

Housing Advocacy

• Not Enough Accessible Housing
  
  • Families are deeply worried about long-term housing for adults with disabilities who need 24/7 care.
  • Advocates say NC isn't using all available housing tools (like rental support programs) for the IDD community.
• Progress in Chapel Hill
  • Habitat for Humanity received funding to develop housing specifically for people with disabilities—first time ever in NC.

What Can You Do?

Stay Involved and Informed: This is a long-term effort. Advocates are working hard, but your voice matters.

Tell Your Story: Share how these changes impact your life with lawmakers. It’s not lobbying—it's about being heard.

Upcoming Meetings & Webinars from NCCDD

Policy Education Meeting

August 14 starting at 11 a.m. (Note the later starting time)

Register here: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItdu-uqD8oHpxzFX9FiES_lSmk_8OP4r4#/registration

Self-Advocate Discussion Series

August 20 from 1 to 2 p.m.

Topic: Assistive Technology

Register here: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIscuqsqTIuHKmNsMe66wT4whwK0hPGVAM#/registration

The Council Presents Webinar

August 28 from 1 to 2 p.m.

Topic: Emergency Preparedness

Register here: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/3IH21vtqTE2R5A5GeI3hXw#/registration