Congressional leaders have indicated plans to change Medicaid to a block grant or convert it to a per capita allocation to the states. Either change would threaten the security of millions of people who rely on the program to cover life-saving services. Elders would no longer have the certainty that the long-term services and supports they need would be covered because under the proposed change Medicaid funding would no longer be assured.
How You Can Help
LeadingAge will hold “Medicaid Call-in Days” from February 1-3, giving LeadingAge service providers and the elders they serve the opportunity to engage with their lawmakers and urge them to oppose fundamental changes to Medicaid.
Steps for Making a Call
Call your lawmakers’ offices anytime from Wednesday, February 1, to Friday, February 3.
Dial into this toll-free number, (866)793-3004. You will be prompted to enter your zip code to get patched through to your lawmaker and leave a brief message. Feel free to use the sample script below.
The automated system will first connect you to your Representative’s office. Leave a message with the staff person who answers the phone.
After leaving your message, do not hang up. Allow the staff person to hang up, and the automated system will then connect you to your Senators.
Sample Script
“Please ask the Representative/Senator to oppose any legislation that would fundamentally change Medicaid’s financing structure. I oppose block grants or per capita caps because it would hurt many people and families who need long-term services and supports.
70% of people who turn 75 will, at some point, need long-term services and supports. Medicaid is the largest payer.
Please oppose changing Medicaid to block grants or per capita caps when our senior population is rapidly growing. It is the wrong policy at the wrong time.”
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