Why Parents Like Lola Green Are Afraid: Medicaid Cuts, Autism, and the Battle for Support

A little over a week ago, I spoke with Lola Green, a special needs advocate and mother based in Atlanta, Georgia.

Her son MJ is on the autism spectrum and depends on a combination of at-home instruction and Medicaid-funded therapies after enduring neglect and harm inside the public school system.

What Lola shared was a warning wrapped in lived experience.

With Medicaid dollars already stretched thin—and school districts reporting staff shortages and service cutbacks—Lola and many other parents fear the new Trump Administration budget law (once marketed as the “Big Beautiful Bill”) will make things far worse.

While officials have told parents “you don’t need to worry,” Lola reminded me of the last time she heard that phrase:

“That’s exactly what they said about immigration. They said ICE would only go after criminals. But we all saw what really happened.”

In this case, the threat is just as quiet — and just as devastating.

What’s In the Bill? (And Why It Matters)

According to NPR, Medicaid is the fourth largest source of K–12 funding in the U.S. Over 86% of school districts use Medicaid funds to support staff like nurses, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and school psychologists.

The new budget law:

• Slashes $300+ billion in Medicaid support over 10 years

• Reclassifies key therapy services as “optional” (for everyone but ages 0–21)

• May require parents to re-qualify for benefits every 6 months, creating logistical and financial hardship

“Optional” services include:

• Occupational therapy

• Speech therapy

• Behavioral health supports

These are not optional for kids like MJ.

3 Key Takeaways from My Conversation with Lola Green

1. Be Informed — Constantly

Policies are changing fast at the state, county, and federal levels. What’s true this month may shift by next.

Start by reading the NPR article and AOTA’s breakdown.

2. Don’t Go It Alone

Connect with advocacy organizations, parent groups, or local coalitions.

What you’re facing, others have faced too. These connections often come with real strategies, legal guidance, and emotional support.

3. Stay Hopeful and Strategic

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s by design.

Reclaim your hope by focusing on what you can influence — whether that’s applying for alternate funding, showing up at school board meetings, or helping another parent stay informed.

The full interview with Lola Green to drop soon on The Color Between the Lines. 

✊🏽 Let’s Keep This Conversation Going

➡️ Have you experienced recent roadblocks to getting services for your child?
➡️ Has your district cut back on Medicaid-funded supports?

Reply to this newsletter or reach out to me privately. I’m gathering voices for a future audio series that amplifies stories like Lola’s.

Because one story — told clearly — can shift policy, funding, and perception.