Trump Will Eliminate Ombudsman Program

A recent document titled “The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) 2026 Discretionary Budget Passback” was recently leaked from the White House. This “pre-decisional” document was released by Inside Medicine and included many other areas of focus related to nursing homes.

This document outlines a budget for nursing home workforce development and the elimination of the long-term care ombudsman program.

LeadingAge has stated that the plans outlined in this document, in combination with massive workforce cuts at the HHS, suggest that this agency “appears disinclined” to provide funding that will address the needs of Americans.

“The leaked preliminary draft budget for FY26 for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) eliminates dozens of programs central to the health and welfare of older adults and the people who serve them,” said Linda Couch, senior vice president of policy and advocacy for LeadingAge.

“We continue to review this draft as we await the full suite of budget documents once the request is formally transmitted to the Hill.” Couch said that eliminating specific workforce programs will put danger other programs by merging them into “block grants,” which could be potentially funded at the discretion of the state.

HHS’ ability to carry out its duties effectively is “grossly diminished,” Couch said, considering “colossal” funding cuts along with the staff reductions.

Nursing home advocates state cuts will jeopardize the care of vulnerable adults who are served by this industry.