Monday, July 25, 2011

Don't Cut Medicaid -- Reform It

from the NDSC:

Call Your Senators and Representatives and tell them that arbitrary Medicaid cuts will hurt people with disabilities.  Real Medicaid reform is what is needed.

Background
Congress appears to be closer to reaching an agreement about spending cuts before the August 2nd deadline to raise the debt ceiling.  Entitlement spending (e.g., Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid) is at the center of these discussions.  Although nothing is “off the table,” it appears that Medicaid is the major target for spending cuts. The ways in which the program would be cut are being referred to as spending caps, block grants and blended funding.
Any large cuts in Medicaid will likely result in a serious blow to, if not elimination of home and community based services.  These are the services that adults with disabilities rely on to live and work in the community.

Action Needed
Press the “take action” button and contact your Senators and Representative today with the message that cutting Medicaid arbitrarily will hurt people with disabilities.

Talking Points
Medicaid is the main source of funds for people with disabilities to live and work in the community with dignity, avoiding costly, segregated and dehumanizing nursing homes or institutions.

Indiscriminate cuts to Medicaid will force people into higher cost institutional placements; 
Expanding self-directed services options which allow beneficiaries and families greater control over their resources will save money and preserve important services.

If you have questions, please contact susan@ndsccenter.org.

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