Help Avert Drastic Medicaid Cuts  

Take Action!

Ask Your Representative to Vote for HR 4213                               

Background

The clock is ticking on state budgets.  Nearly all states are finalizing their 2011 budgets that begin on July 1.  And many have already factored in an increase in the federal governments share of Medicaid (known as the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP)).  At least 25 states including Alabama, Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Washington are already relying on this increased funding in their FY11 state budgets.

Without swift enactment of a six-month FMAP extension, states will be forced to make very deep cuts in programs, including home and community based services, supported employment, dental care and even basic health care.

Congress must pass the FMAP extension NOW.

The American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act (H.R. 4213) contains a 6-month FMAP extension.  This bill will be voted on as soon as this week by the House of Representatives.

Take Action

Please call your representative's office THIS WEEK.  Call TOLL FREE - 1-877-442-6801.  Sample talking points are provided when you click on the "Take Action" link. 

What to say:

• May I please speak to the staff person who covers health?


• I am calling to urge Representative _________________to vote for HR 4213, the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act.


• People with disabilities depend on Medicaid for their very survival. Without an extension of the Medicaid FMAP increase contained in the bill, we will lose vital services.

Please call; do not email.  The reality is that staff on Capitol Hill rarely read constituent email anymore.  There is just too much of it to keep track of.  The best measures they have about what constituents need are telephone calls or personal visits.

Thank you in advance for your advocacy.