Next week, the House of Representatives plans to vote on a budget framework that would direct the Energy and Commerce Committee—the committee overseeing Medicaid—to cut at least $880 billion in spending. If passed, this would likely mean that the committee would have to consider drastic reductions to Medicaid funding, putting community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) at risk.
If these cuts move forward, they would:
Shift Medicaid costs to states, forcing them to consider cuts to provider rates and reductions of essential services.
Threaten access to services, leading to longer waitlists and higher rates of institutionalization.
Put individuals with I/DD at risk of losing critical services that support them to live independently.
Tell your Representative: Oppose legislation that would lead to deep cuts to Medicaid.
Why Your Action Matters
Lawmakers rely on constituent feedback when making policy decisions, and studies show that direct outreach is one of the most effective ways to influence their votes. Your voice can help stop these cuts before they move forward.
Begin writing a personalized comment directly below the section that states “Message Body.” Remember that more personalized comments will have significantly more impact than a generic comment. Here are a few best practices when writing a comment:
1. Personal Introduction: Begin your message by introducing yourself as a dedicated advocate for community based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Emphasize your passion and commitment.
2. Share Personal Stories or Examples: Weave personal stories or real-life experiences into your message. Describe your connection to Medicaid and the challenges you’ve faced. Explain how reduced Medicaid funding, including through block grants, per-capita caps, lowering the federal match rate, or rescinding enhanced funding for home and community-based services would hurt the communities that the Representative or Senator represents.