Medicaid Action Alert

Huge Medicaid Cuts are Still at Stake
Take Action!

Make sure your Senator(s) continue to support extending the increase in the federal share of Medicaid

The clock is ticking on extending the increase in the federal government's share of Medicaid (known as the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP)). When the Senate returns next week they are likely to debate a tax extender bill that must include FMAP when it goes to the floor for a vote. This may be the last opportunity this year to vote to extend FMAP. Advocates must make their voices heard.

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.

The Senate must pass the FMAP extension soon.

You are receiving this alert because one or both of you Senators was among the 62 Senators that voted for the FMAP extension recently. Each of these Senators needs to be thanked for their past support. We must also urge each Senator to do all they can to make sure the FMAP extension is in the tax extender bill when it comes to the floor next week.

Even though your Senator has supported it in the past, some Senators have raised concerns about the growing federal deficit and the cost of the extenders bill. WE CANNOT TAKE IT FOR GRANTED THAT YOUR SENATOR WILL VOTE FOR THE FMAP EXTENSION AGAIN.

Take Action

Please call your Senator'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 thank Senator _________________for the past support of the FMAP extension and urge that s/he do everything possible to ensure that it is in the tax extender bill when it comes to the Senate floor for a vote.
• 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.