Protect Medicaid – Urge Congress to Oppose Devastating Cuts! 

The House has passed its reconciliation package that includes over 800 billion dollars cut to Medicaid over the next ten years, threatening the health and well-being of millions of Americans, including children, seniors, and individuals with Autism and other disabilities. This bill will now go to Senate where they will have the opportunity to change many of the harmful provisions. See text and more information below. 

• The Energy & Commerce Republicans Section by Section
• The CBO estimate shows that the Medicaid provisions will cut at least $800 billion from Medicaid and result in at least 7.8 million people losing Medicaid (16 million Americans in total losing insurance from Medicaid, Marketplace, etc).

• Adds work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents. An individual must work at least 80 hours a month or complete at least 80 hours of community service, participate in a work program for at least 80 hours, enroll in an educational program for at least 80 hours, or a combination of these activities for at least 80 hours. There will be exceptions for this as defined by the Secretary of HHS.
• The bill also repeals a recent “eligibility and enrollment” rule that makes it easier for people to get and maintain coverage. 2.3M fewer people will be enrolled in Medicaid as a result, per CBO, mostly seniors and people with disabilities. It will also cut kids off CHIP.
•  With a reduction in federal support and provider tax restrictions, states may struggle to fund optional services like Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers (see Pluribus News Article and Georgetown analysis). To learn more about how Medicaid is important for the Autism community, see this new research from the Policy Impact Project.

Key Facts: 

Medicaid is the nation’s primary payer of long-term services and supports (LTSS), including home and community-based services (HCBS) that allow individuals to live in their communities instead of institutions.  

Medicaid and CHIP provide health coverage to nearly half of all U.S. children—over 37 million children rely on these programs. 

Medicaid serves over 17 million people with disabilities and older adults, including those with Autism, by covering critical services that most other insurance plans do not. 

Cutting Medicaid would dismantle this lifeline, jeopardizing care for our nation’s most vulnerable populations. 

Your Voice is Needed: 

Contact your Representatives and Senators today! Urge them to stand against Medicaid cuts and changes such as work requirements, and prioritize funding that protects individuals with Autism, disabilities, and low-income families. Share your personal story to make an impact. 

Please also call your Members of Congress using a free number provided by SEIU that will automatically connect you to the offices- 866-426-2631.