(RALEIGH) -- Advocates for individuals with developmental disabilities are challenging a recent change to the way need for Medicaid services is calculated.

Disability Rights North Carolina filed a lawsuit in federal court alleging that Piedmont Behavioral Health Care deprived Medicaid recipients of necessary treatment under a new funding model.  The group is asking a judge to reinstate services that were interrupted when the new policy went into effect July 1.
 
“Their life didn’t change, but all of a sudden a service that they were relying was taken away and they couldn’t appeal it,” said Vicki Smith, executive director of Disability Rights North Carolina.
 
State lawmakers said the change was necessary due to budget constraints. “If we don’t equalize those services and try to do the best we can to meet the needs, then we’re not doing our job,” said Rep. Jeff Barnhardt, R-Cabarrus. “Part of equalizing those services means that some folks may get less services than they were. We said that all along.”
 
The suit was filed on behalf of patients in five different counties.