Press releases

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May 18, 2026

Sacramento, CA -- The Lanterman Coalition, a statewide coalition of more than 50 organizations representing thousands of Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, appreciates Governor Gavin Newsom for preserving funding for regional center services in the May Revision of the 2026-27 state budget.

At a time of significant fiscal uncertainty and growing federal threats to Medicaid and Home and Community-Based Services, preserving California’s developmental services system reflects the state’s longstanding commitment to the Lanterman Act’s promise of a good life in the community.

The Lanterman Coalition recognizes that the disability community and its stakeholders are interconnected with all Californians and is aware of the federal forces that are eroding the social safety nets that protect the most vulnerable. Considering that fact, the Lanterman Coalition is concerned about the Governor’s proposal to reinstate strict Medi-Cal asset caps beginning January 1, 2027. (page 39)

This action would likely force tens of thousands of seniors and people with disabilities to lose access to Medi-Cal and In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS). Reducing the asset cap to qualify for Medi-Cal and IHSS from $130,000 to just $2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples is NOT A MINOR ADJUSTMENT. This proposal will undeniably increase the number of people living in poverty, and those impacted will lose access to healthcare and in-home supportive services simply by having a small emergency savings in the bank and meager financial resources. Older Californians and people with disabilities should not be forced to sacrifice economic security just to access healthcare and support that allow them to live a good life.

Establishing strict and extremely low Medi-Cal asset caps also creates unintended consequences for families and the broader California economy. When individuals lose access to IHSS, support needs do not disappear. Family members (parents, siblings, adult children) have to step up, likely stay home, and abandon their jobs to provide care and support for the people they love. Removing these people from the workforce not only strains those household incomes, but it directly harms the overall state economy.

Living with dignity, safety, and independence within and amongst their communities is a human right, and this proposal will jeopardize that for so many.

There is recognition that this new frontier poses challenging policy decisions, but weakening any part of the safety net creates stressors that will not only impact lives but ironically, the bottom line as well. In fact, a February 17, 2026 letter from California’s Department of Health Care Services to the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services explicitly notes that IHSS and Home and Community Based Services allow individuals to avoid unnecessary institutionalization.

Aging or receiving support in one’s own home and community is not only the preference of the overwhelming majority of older adults and people with disabilities—it’s also the law. It is also substantially less costly to taxpayers than providing care in institutional or congregate settings; just as preventive care through primary care physicians is more cost-effective than emergency care or home-based care. BOTH deliver better outcomes at a LOWER cost. The asset limit proposal puts the health and stability of vulnerable Californians at risk, and this approach to cut costs is foolhardy, short-sighted and shameful.

The Lanterman Coalition would like to work with the Administration and the Legislature to develop solutions that protect the social safety net and ensure that California continues to lead the nation with the values of inclusion, equity, and belonging for people with disabilities.

January 10, 2023

Sacramento, CA -- The Lanterman Coalition appreciates Governor Gavin Newsom for reaffirming his commitment to Californians with developmental disabilities in his proposed 2023-24 budget by maintaining the approved funding of community-based services and supports.

We applaud the administration for proposing investments to address excessive caseload ratios for children ages 0-5 by making reasonable wage adjustments for regional center service coordinators.  The workforce shortage, however, continues to impact individuals with disabilities of all ages, and we hope similar wage adjustments will be made for all regional center service coordinators.   

Staffing shortages across the disability system continue to be the most significant barrier to individuals with disabilities and their families receiving adequate support service.  The pandemic continues to impact the ability for staffing, which is a growing concern for the disability community at large. To adequately meet these needs, services providers and regional centers across the state will require a funding structure that allows them to hire, train and maintain staff. 

We are ready to work with the legislature and administration to continue the efforts to build a stable and outcomes-driven system, providing Californians with disabilities throughout their lifespan equal opportunities and access to the services and supports needed to thrive.