On April 16, 2025, a document from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) titled “Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) 2026 Discretionary Budget Passback” (Passback) was made public. The Passback proposes to cut $40 billion from the HHS budget for the 2026 fiscal year as part of President Trump’s Budget Request. The Passback makes draconian cuts to many HHS programs, including the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program (LTCOP), a vital program that, among many services, provides advocates for residents of long-term care facilities.
While many details of the document remain unclear, Page 37 of the Passback proposes to eliminate the LTCOP. The Passback states that although it proposes to eliminate Ombudsman programs, and other programs, such as Adult Protective Services, states will be allowed to fund these programs through “funded formula grant programs.” The amount of these grants and how they will be administered is not discussed in the document.
Consumer Voice is deeply disturbed and concerned about the proposal to cut Ombudsman programs. Ombudsman program representatives are often the only protection for residents of long-term care facilities, advocating for residents’ rights and protections. In 2023, Ombudsman programs resolved over 200,000 complaints in nursing homes from residents, families, and other parties. The dissolution of the LTCOP would place all residents in settings served by Ombudsman program representatives at risk.
It is critical to note that the Passback is labeled “pre-decisional” and has not been submitted to Congress. While Presidents annually submit budget requests to Congress, Congress is not obligated to follow these requests. Nevertheless, the Passback is a direct attack on Ombudsman programs and other critical programs that serve older people and people with disabilities. It highlights the Administration’s intent to cut critical services that protect some of our most vulnerable citizens from abuse and neglect.
In the coming days, weeks, and months, Consumer Voice along with other organizational allies will be highlighting the advocacy necessary to defend the Ombudsman program and other critical programs slated for elimination. We will need your help. We will be providing you with opportunities to make your voice heard and to lift the voices of residents of long-term care facilities who have or will rely on the essential services provided by the LTCOP.
