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Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a budget plan on a near party-line vote, with only 1 Republican voting “No”. The budget plan passed by the House includes a $880 billion cut to Medicaid, which funds half of Medi-Cal programs in California. The budget now heads to the U.S. Senate, where amendments are expected. Once the new version of the budget act is voted on, the Senate version of the budget will go back to the House for a vote. Both the Senate and the House must agree on a final version of the budget before it becomes law.
While this may feel like defeat, the battle continues. Our work as advocates is not over! You have all done an incredible job by calling, emailing and tagging your legislators in social media posts.
Click HERE to watch Katy Neas, CEO of The Arc of The United States, on CNN respond to the Medicaid cuts in the House budget plan, and address how these draconian cuts would impact the lives of millions of people with disabilities and their families.
“It’s important to remember that having a disability is bipartisan, and is part of the human condition. It doesn’t discriminate by political party, economic status, race, or gender,” Neas reminded viewers during the interview.
While this is true, not a single democratic Representative in California supported the draconian Medicaid cut, and our two democratic California U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff will protect Medicaid as they deliberate in the Senate. However, we have work to do to encourage our U.S. Republican Representatives in California to protect Medicaid in the next version of the budget bill.
YOUR CAN MAKE AN IMPACT!
1) Record a video message urging members of Congress to reject the cuts to Medicaid (Medi-Cal) by telling them how cuts to your services and supports will impact your life, or the life of someone you care about at MyStory.TheArcCa.org – We will share video messages with legislators.
2) Organize a rally or townhall at your Representative’s office by emailing us at [email protected]
3) Donate to The Arc of California to help power our advocacy efforts this year at SupportTheArc.org
If passed, the proposed $880 billion cut to Medicaid would dramatically impact the availability of vital programs for millions of Californians with developmental disabilities. So, what are those programs? Here is a quick snapshot of services and supports that would be threatened:
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- All regional center services for Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families (supported living, supported employment, transportation, day programs, respite, early intervention, group homes, and many more).
- In-Home Supportive Services for people with disabilities and seniors (IHSS).
- Covered health care for people with disabilities, low-income children, pregnant mothers, and other low-income Californians (Medi-Cal).
- All long-term care services, including nursing facilities, prescription drugs, and home and community-based services. (HCBS)
- School services and therapies for children on Medi-Cal, including school psychologists, speech and language therapists, personal care aides, nurses, and more.
This is the time to speak up and speak out! Educating our elected officials about the critical need for Medicaid-funded services can make a big difference.