Phoenix (STN) – As nonprofit organizations navigate ongoing funding uncertainty, leaders across the sector are preparing for what could be one of the most significant challenges yet: deep cuts to Medicaid.
During the April episode of ‘It Happens at STN,’ leaders from Ability360 outlined how those changes could impact people with disabilities and the organizations that support them.
Chris Rodriguez, CEO of Ability360, said uncertainty has defined the past several months.
“Every day is a different challenge,” he said. “You have to be extremely creative and innovative in how you approach these issues.”
WATCH: How Ability360 prepares for Medicaid cuts as funding uncertainty grows
While many of the most significant Medicaid cuts will not take effect until next year, Rodriguez said the ripple effects are already being felt as states begin adjusting budgets in anticipation.
“Medicaid is the foundation of the most important supports and services that allow people with disabilities to remain independent,” he said.
Those services, often delivered through home- and community-based programs, are considered optional under Medicaid and are often among the first to be reduced during budget constraints.
“That leaves people in a very vulnerable position,” Rodriguez said, noting that cuts could push individuals toward institutional care and a lower quality of life.
In response, Ability360 has focused on strengthening support for caregivers, a group leaders say is under increasing strain.
April Reed, vice president of advocacy at Ability360, said the organization began hearing directly from caregivers as concerns about funding grew.
“We heard fear. We heard uncertainty,” she said. “So we asked ourselves, how do we support them in a more meaningful way?”
That question led to a series of caregiver conferences across Arizona, where participants were invited to share their experiences and needs.
“We went to them and listened,” Reed said. “That’s where the real insight came from.”
Those conversations led to new resources, including caregiver guides, support groups and expanded programming designed to provide both information and connection.
Reed also pointed to growing momentum in advocacy, as caregivers increasingly engage with policymakers.
“They’re telling their stories and helping leaders understand how essential these services are,” she said.
For Rodriguez, the path forward depends on collaboration.
“We can’t do this alone,” he said. “Medicaid touches so many lives, and we need a coalition that reflects that.”
Both leaders emphasized that navigating uncertainty will require more than planning. It will require communication, resilience and a strong civic engagement.
