“The One Big Beautiful Bill” Just Passed—Here’s What It Means for Your Child’s IEP
✨Let’s Talk About What Just Happened
Congress just passed a major piece of legislation called the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB)—and while that name might sound nice, the fine print includes some serious changes that could affect your child’s access to special education–related services.
If your child receives services like speech therapy, occupational therapy (OT), counseling, or nursing support through their IEP or 504 Plan, this bill is worth paying attention to—especially if those services are funded in part by Medicaid.
💬 So What’s in the Bill?
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Over $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts over the next 10 years
Tighter restrictions on SNAP (food assistance)
New limits on federal student loans and higher education funding
Minimal support for community-based health programs
For many families, that means fewer resources at school, fewer service providers, and more red tape—especially for children who need therapy or behavioral health services as part of their learning plan.
🧠 Why This Matters for Special Education
Schools often rely on Medicaid reimbursements to fund special education–related services. These funds help pay for:
School-based speech and OT services
Mental health counseling
Nurses and health aides
Transportation for students with disabilities
Early intervention services
When Medicaid is cut, schools are forced to stretch their budgets thinner—or eliminate services altogether. That means your child could experience delays, reductions in minutes, or lose access to vital supports entirely.
🎯 Families of Color Are Hit Hardest
For Black and Brown families, this legislation could widen already-existing gaps in access and equity. Many of our children already experience:
Delays in evaluation or diagnosis
Disproportionate placement in restrictive settings
Fewer culturally responsive services
When funding disappears, those disparities only grow.
✅ What You Can Do Right Now (Even While School’s Out)
Summer is usually a time to rest—but a little preparation now can protect your child’s services in the fall. Here are some simple steps:
1. Review Your Child’s IEP or 504 Plan
Look closely at the “Related Services” section. Does it include speech, OT, PT, or counseling? Make a note of how many minutes are listed, how often the services are delivered, and by whom.
2. Contact Your District or Special Education Director
Send a friendly email asking whether any changes to service delivery are expected due to the new legislation. You can ask:
“Are any IEP-related services in our district funded through Medicaid? If so, are there any changes expected next school year?”
3. Call or Email Your State Representative
Let them know you’re a parent or caregiver concerned about how this bill will impact children with disabilities. Even a short message helps build pressure for state-level protections.
4. Document What Worked—and What Didn’t
Take a few minutes to jot down what services supported your child this year. Were they helpful? Were they missed? This reflection will help you advocate effectively at your next ARD/IEP meeting.
✊ You’re Not Alone—We’re in This Together
This bill is complicated, but here’s what we know: families who stay informed and organized can make a real difference.
Sped Decoded is here to help you navigate every step—from understanding the fine print to preparing for your next IEP meeting.
📥 Free Download: “Summer IEP Advocacy Checklist”
Want a simple checklist of what to do this summer to protect your child’s services?
📲 Stay Connected
Follow us on Instagram and TikTok [@SpedDecoded] for updates, tips, and easy-to-understand breakdowns of what’s happening in education policy.
💬 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
Have a question or concern about how this bill might affect your family? Drop a comment below or send us a message—we’re here to support you.
