Understanding H.R. 1
This interactive dashboard provides a clear analysis of H.R. 1, "The One, Big, Beautiful Bill," focusing on its profound effects on persons with developmental or intellectual disabilities (IDD) and their families. Our goal is to translate complex legislation into understandable insights, empowering our community to advocate effectively.
~$600 Billion
Cut from Medicaid, threatening essential healthcare for millions.
Up to 10.3 Million
People projected to lose Medicaid coverage by 2034.
~$300 Billion
Cut from SNAP, increasing food insecurity for vulnerable families.
Legislative Journey of H.R. 1
H.R. 1 is a budget reconciliation bill, which allows it to pass the Senate with a simple majority, bypassing the usual 60-vote filibuster. This fast-tracks the process, making timely community advocacy more critical than ever.
Introduced
May 20, 2025
Passed House
May 22, 2025
In Senate
June 2025
Target Enactment
July 4, 2025
Key Impacts on Foundational Programs
Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are lifelines for the IDD community, providing essential healthcare, food security, and support for independent living. H.R. 1 proposes drastic changes to both. This section breaks down the financial cuts, the human cost, and the specific policy changes you need to know about.
Medicaid Under Threat
Medicaid funds 77% of essential services for people with IDD. The proposed cuts directly threaten home and community-based care, increasing the risk of forced institutionalization.
Mandates 80 hours/month of work or community engagement for many adults. While exemptions for disability exist, the bureaucratic burden to prove eligibility is immense and could cause many to lose coverage despite being eligible.
Requires eligibility redetermination every 6 months instead of annually. This doubles the administrative hurdles and increases the risk of coverage gaps due to missed paperwork, especially for individuals who need support with administrative tasks.
Introduces new cost-sharing requirements, like co-pays up to $35 per service. For individuals with IDD who require frequent therapies and specialist visits, these costs can accumulate quickly, creating a barrier to necessary care.
SNAP Cuts & Changes
The proposed cuts could cause millions, including children and older adults with disabilities in the same household, to lose some or all of their food assistance, jeopardizing health and stability.
Extends work requirements to adults up to age 64. It also narrows the definition of a dependent child for exemption purposes to under age seven, affecting parents of school-aged children.
Forces states to pay a portion of SNAP benefit costs, which are currently 100% federally funded. This will pressure states to cut benefits, restrict eligibility, or even abandon the program.
The bill removes the ability to count internet bills as a utility expense and repeals funding for SNAP-Ed nutrition education, further chipping away at the support low-income families receive.
The Human Cost: Millions at Risk of Losing Benefits
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) provides a range of estimates for how many people will be affected. Use the buttons below to see the potential scale of benefit loss under different projections.
Who is Affected?
These policy changes aren't just numbers; they have real-world consequences for individuals and families in our community. Explore the perspectives below to understand how H.R. 1 could impact different people who are dedicated to supporting individuals with IDD.
Parents & Families
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Healthcare Workers
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Community Advocates
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How You Can Take Action
As H.R. 1 moves through the Senate, your voice is more important than ever. Proactive engagement from every member of our community can make a difference. Below are targeted recommendations for how you can get involved and advocate for the needs of persons with IDD.
- Contact Your Senators: Share your personal story. Explain how Medicaid and SNAP support your family.
- Gather Documents: Start organizing medical and disability paperwork now to prepare for increased administrative burdens.
- Connect with Advocacy Groups: Join local and national groups to amplify your voice and stay informed.
- Attend Community Meetings: Participate in local forums to learn more and connect with other families.
- Stay Informed: Monitor updates from your state Medicaid agency on new rules and requirements.
- Assist with Documentation: Help patients gather medical paperwork needed to prove exemption status.
- Advocate Through Professional Organizations: Voice concerns about the bill's impact on patient access to care.
- Connect to Resources: Refer families to food banks, legal aid, and other community supports.
- Monitor Senate Deliberations: Track amendments and debates as the bill progresses.
- Inform Policymakers: Provide concrete data and local examples of the bill's potential harm.
- Advocate for Protective Amendments: Work to strengthen exemptions and protect funding for home and community-based services.
- Prepare for State-Level Responses: Engage in discussions about how your state can mitigate harm if the bill passes.
- Recognize the Broader Impact: Understand these cuts affect the entire community's economic and social health.
- Support Local Organizations: Volunteer, donate, or advocate on behalf of organizations on the front lines.
- Engage in Informed Discourse: Share accurate information with your networks and correct misinformation.
- Contact Your Elected Officials: Every voice matters. Let your Senators know you oppose these harmful cuts.