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Intro to State & Federal Policy Issues

In addition to budget and legislation, The Arc of Massachusetts is also engaged in policy advocacy. Policy issues can include changes within government that impact the way services are delivered and rights are enforced. Changes can be made to policies and regulations from time to time, and advocacy is needed to ensure that those changes are positive.

For example, MassHealth, the Department of Developmental Services, and the federal government craft policies that touch everything from healthcare to community-living services.

We know that these regulations can be challenging to interpret and can move quickly. This page will be continuously updated with information and fact sheets about relevant changes, new initiatives, and other important information.

If you have questions about anything on this page, or suggestions for additional information that would be helpful to see here, please email nbent@arcmass.org  

Current Federal Policy Issues

Medicaid

• Medicaid is a vital program that provides health coverage and long-term supports and services to millions of low-income individuals, families, seniors, and people with disabilities. 
• Medicaid is threatened at the federal level. A bill is moving through Congress that would cut hundreds of billions of dollars in Medicaid over 10 years and have devastating consequences on the people who rely on it for health insurance or other services. This is a fast-moving situation, and we are here to help you make sense of it.
• Take a moment to learn about the vital services that Medicaid offers:
  • Understanding Medicaid and Proposed Changes – June 2025 Update
  • Understanding Home and Community-Based Services
• Take action now to protect Medicaid. Tell Congress why Medicaid is important to you.
• The Arc of Massachusetts recently sent a letter to Senator Elizabeth Warren and Senator Ed Markey about the importance of protecting Medicaid, featuring your stories. Learn more about the impact of the proposed cuts in our community in the full letter.
• The Arc wants to hear from you. Share your stories and concerns in our Community Check-In Survey and we will be able to use your experiences in our ongoing advocacy.

Department of Education

• The Department of Education is a government agency that oversees federal education policy and administers funding for programs and individuals. On March 20, 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order, directing the federal Department of Education to “facilitate the closure of the Department of Education and return authority over education to the States….”
• Executive Orders do not supersede laws passed by Congress. Lawsuits can challenge Executive Orders, and several have already been filed as of March 2025. One such lawsuit was filed in Massachusetts by Attorney General Andrea Campbell and 19 other states. This will likely be an ongoing and lengthy legal process.
• We’ve created a fact sheet about the Department of Education and proposed federal changes, and what they would mean for our community. Check that out here.

Social Security

• Nationwide, over 73 million people receive Social Security benefits – including over 11 million people with disabilities. Social Security offers financial benefits when an individual retires, dies, or when someone has a disability. For many, these benefits are a lifeline.
• There are two main types of social security benefits:
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI): helps older adults and people with disabilities who have little to no income. On average, individuals receive $714 per month, which can help with needs such as housing, food, and clothing. SSI is not tied to an individual’s work history but is instead based on need.
  • Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): helps workers with qualifying disabilities and their families. SSDI is related to your work history, and covers individuals who have worked for a certain number of years and have paid Social Security taxes.
• We’ve created a fact sheet about the importance of Social Security and what the current threats facing it could mean for the disability community. Check that out here.

Current State Policy Issues

Workforce

• The human services sector is in the midst of a significant workforce crisis. Securing better wages for staff is a top priority for The Arc of Massachusetts. In Massachusetts, a law called Chapter 257 sets rates for how human service providers are paid. While this law sets a strong foundation, challenges remain. This is a focus of our advocacy.
• Learn more about chapter 257 here, and stay plugged into our advocacy efforts for how we can improve this system.

Self-Direction

• The Arc is proud to be part of The Massachusetts Alliance for 21st Century Disability Policy (MA21). Please go to www.MA21Alliance.org to join ongoing advocacy efforts to make sure that the Real Lives Law, which empowers individuals to self-direct their services, is implemented effectively. 

Accessory Dwelling Units

• In 2024, Governor Healey signed the Affordable Homes Act (AHA) into law. Learn more about the Affordable Homes Act and its provisions related to disability and accessibility here.
• The AHA includes one of The Arc of Massachusetts’ top priorities—allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to be built by-right in single family zoning districts. You can see a summary of the specific regulations regarding ADUs here and learn about funding opportunities here. 

Higher Education

• Since 2007, Massachusetts has provided funding to public state colleges and universities that chose to invite individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to engage in college life (e.g., take classes, participate in extracurricular activities, or engage in paid work or internships) as non-matriculating students, with supports and services necessary to facilitate inclusion.
• The decision about whether to participate in the Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative (MAICEI) was left to each college/university, and a student’s eligibility for the program ended at age 22. Despite these limitations, the program was successful, and advocates sought to make participation mandatory for all state institutions of higher education and to eliminate the age cap for persons with “severe disabilities” (including autism and other intellectual or developmental disabilities).
• The Arc of Massachusetts was a lead advocate for this expansion, and in 2022, the legislature adopted key changes to the program. Reflecting its broader coverage, the program has been renamed “Massachusetts Inclusive Postsecondary Education” (MAIPSE). In April 2025, the Department of Higher Education adopted regulations implementing the 2022 law.
• Download The Arc’s new fact sheet to learn more.