Indiana Cuts $34 Million from Medicaid for Autism

Introducing 34 million dollars in budget cuts to Indiana Medicaid in order to "avoid reducing vital services to the 1.2 million Indiana residents to whom the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA)  provides benefits."  The only thing these cuts will actually accomplish is leaving millions of young adults in Indiana with autism without the proper supports they require to become integrated within their communities and enjoy happy, fulfilling lives.  As a result, their parents or guardians will despair over how on earth they are going to provide for their children's long-term care.

Furthermore, for those with autism, routine and ritual are essential. We frame our lives around these patterns of daily activity and once they are removed from the equation it becomes extremely difficult to appreciate a normal existence again. Without routine, life is chaotic, unpredictable, and scary.

To the thousands of individuals and their families around Indiana affected by this--you have my deepest sympathy.

It appears our state government officials have none.

Autism Waiver cuts spell catastrophe in Indiana.