In The Politics of Autism, I discuss Medicaid services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as other government programs at the federal and state levels.
Today is National Disability #SaveMedicaid Call-in Day! The Autism Society of America is joining with disability advocates across the nation for a day of action in opposition to the Graham-Cassidy legislation. The latest Affordable Care Act repeal effort is gaining momentum, so we must keep up our advocacy and defeat the proposal. While a number of senators made overtures about opposing the plan over the weekend, we can’t let up until each NO vote is fully secured.
Graham-Cassidy proponents are working overtime to ensure passage of this harmful legislation that guts $215 billion from federal Medicaid spending, eliminates the Medicaid expansion, and allows states to penalize those with pre-existing conditions. The proposal also waives requirements for essential health benefits – which make it possible for people with autism and their loved ones to obtain critical long-term services and supports to work and live independently in their communities. The Senate could vote on the repeal bill as early as tomorrow or Wednesday, so we must ACT NOW to stop it.
Please join today’s National Call-in Day! We need everyone to flood office phone lines and let senators know cuts and caps to Medicaid are unacceptable. Call (202) 224-3121 and ask your senator to please oppose Graham-Cassidy and reject proposed cuts and restructuring to Medicaid.
Here’s What You Can Say
I am calling to tell Senator _____ to vote NO on Graham-Cassidy, and reject any plan that significantly cuts Medicaid and institutes block grants and per capita caps. Such a proposal will have devastating effects on people with disabilities, especially those with autism. Medicaid provides healthcare services and long-term services and supports that maintain health, function, independence and the well-being of over 10 million with disabilities and their families, including mine. I urge Senator _____ to oppose the Graham-Cassidy bill.
High Priority Targets
Maine (Senator Collins); Alaska (Senator Murkowski); West Virginia (Senator Capito); Ohio (Senator Portman); Arizona (Senators McCain and Flake); Colorado(Senator Gardner); Kansas (Senator Moran); North Carolina (Senators Tillis and Burr); Iowa (Senators Grassley and Ernst); Indiana (Senator Young); South Dakota(Senator Rounds); North Dakota (Senator Hoeven); and Tennessee (Senators Alexander and Corker)
Additional Items and Other Ways to Help
The Senate Finance Committee will hold a hearing on the Graham-Cassidy proposal today at 2:00 p.m. EST; for the video link to the hearing, click here.
Share your story! Spread the word throughout social media using hashtag #SaveMedicaid.
