[lbo-talk] Call-in Day To Protect Medicaid

[Marta Russell]

National Call-in Day To Protect Medicaid
The Arc and United Cerebral Palsy have joined the Coalition on Human
Needs and American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) in an effort to have
Members of Congress oppose the HHS Medicaid Commissions recommendations
and any reform that would have a negative affect on beneficiaries.

On September 8 and 9, call 1-800-426-8073 and ask for your U.S. Senators
and Representative(s). Urge them to oppose the Commission's
recommendations and protect Medicaid for people with disabilities and
their families. The toll-free number was generously donated by the
American Friends Service Committee (AFSC).

The Action Alert, below, has more information and
talking points to help guide your conversation with your Senators and
Representative.

BACKGROUND:
The debate over Medicaid's future continues. Most recently, the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Medicaid Commission
unanimously adopted short-term recommendations for $10 billion in  
savings
in the Medicaid program over the next five years. These recommendations
will be sent to Congress by September 1.

The Commission's final recommendations include savings provisions that
will negatively affect people with disability and their families. For
example, states could increase co-payments for certain non-preferred
prescription drugs. The recommendations would also increase penalties  
for
people who transfer assets before qualifying for Medicaid long-tem care.
The final recommendations would save between $10.3 to 11.1 billion  
over 5
years.

With Congress back in session after Labor Day, the House Energy and
Commerce Committee and Senate Finance Committee will begin marking up
their reconciliation bills and will consider the Commissions
recommendations on Medicaid savings.

ACTION NEEDED:
What should you say to your Senators and Representative(s)?

Ask them to oppose:
Any increases in cost-sharing for beneficiaries with disabilities;
Removing Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT)
as a mandatory benefit;
Restricting states' use of the rehabilitation optional service;
Increasing state flexibility in benefit design since states already have
significant flexibility;
Removing the current Medicaid provisions that protect trusts or  
transfers
of assets for people with disabilities; and
Eliminating Medicaid as an entitlement for people with disabilities.