A Closer Look At the IDD Reductions Exercise

The Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS), along with every other state program, has submitted a list of potential reductions. These reductions were combined with options from other programs within the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and placed on a prioritized list that was submitted to legislators. The reductions on that list combine to total 2.5% and 5% of the Legislatively Approved Budget for Human Services. You can view the whole list for ODHS here.

We have compiled a list of all the IDD cuts listed on the Reductions Exercise, and included the impact statements published alongside each. In addition, we have added any additional information or clarifying content we have to offer on each line item. You’ll find that in the far-right column.

ODHS 2.5% Reduction List, ODDS Items

This is a partial list, including only the IDD-focused cuts on the 2.5% reduction list. There are IDD specific items on the 5% reduction list as well. We are beginning with these, as they are literally at the top of the priority list.

Note that many of these cuts are not able to be accomplished with legislative action alone. Items like returning the 50 hour cap to PSW services will have to be collectively bargained with SEIU, the union that represents PSWs. Items that change or cap services offered, like eliminating Relief Care, will require the state to ask for permission to do so from the federal Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). It takes time for the state to make that request, time for CMS to respond to that request, and time to implement the changes if approved. If Oregon’s legislature votes to accept one of these reductions, that is the first step in this process, not the last.

More to come on the larger list, our take on some of the reductions proposed, and the process ahead of us leading up to the February 2026 Oregon legislative session.