Today, the House passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which contains the largest cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act in history. These cuts are not necessary; they are a concerted choice to provide tax cuts for billionaires and to fund more aggressive expansion of ICE and domestic concentration camps. The cuts in this bill do not align with the values that Disability Rights California (DRC) stands for nor with the values of the American public.

"In my 34 years of work in disability advocacy this is the most harmful bill for disabled people that I have ever seen," said DRC Chief Executive Officer Andy Imparato.

DRC commits to continuing our advocacy to ensure access to health care and home- and community-based services for all Californians with disabilities. Most of these cuts will not go into effect until after the midterm elections in 2026, people will not be immediately losing healthcare in most cases and DRC will continue to fight in all ways possible to prevent these incredibly harmful changes from becoming reality in the months ahead.

As we analyze the effects of this bill, we hope to work with the Legislature and Administration to mitigate the harm of the budget bill wherever possible. We call on Governor Newsom and the Legislature to ensure that any changes California makes in response to the devastating cuts in this bill are developed in consultation with those who will be disproportionally and most directly impacted, especially Californians who are disabled, older and from immigrant communities. 

“I have spent the past six months in community with hundreds of disabled Californians and their loved ones, advocating each day against cuts to Medicaid. Thank you to everyone who raised their voice in this fight by joining a call with Congressional staff, sharing information, attending rallies, and calling your Representatives. We didn’t win today, but your stories matter, and we will continue to fight alongside you for a world that meets our needs as disabled people,” said DRC Policy Analyst Sabrina Epstein.

California has made strides to advance disability rights and access to healthcare for all over the past several years. We cannot let Congress force us to go back on our hard-won progress.

DRC will continue to provide our services to the community, including legal advice and representation on Medi-Cal issues like IHSS and regional center services. You can contact our intake here.

Media Contact

Sam Mickens
Director of Communications
(646) 945-0918
Sam.Mickens@disabilityrightsca.org

Disability Rights California (DRC) – Is the agency designated under federal law to protect and advocate for the rights of Californians with disabilities. The mission of DRC is to defend, advance, and strengthen the rights and opportunities of people with disabilities. For more information visit: https://www.disabilityrightsca.org.