The ramifications of sudden, significant reductions are harder to debate: Cuts to Medicaid are cuts to state budgets, and no state is immune. State Medicaid programs provide short- and long-term coverage for people who are seriously ill, between jobs, working part-time or working full-time for small businesses. Without access to health insurance, people of all ages have worse health outcomes, increased emergency room visits, sicker babies, and serious medical debt. 

Even if you don't rely on Medicaid for health insurance, Medicaid cuts will hurt access to care. Rural communities especially depend on Medicaid as a funding source for hospitals and clinics. Service reductions affect everyone, not only people who rely on Medicaid-funded state health insurance.

Send a message now to your members of Congress, state legislators and Governor: When Medicaid funding is reduced, the burden falls on states, hospitals, and families. Real reform solves problems and makes systems better for citizens-- large cuts to Medicaid only hurt patients' and states' abilities to solve local problems.

You can send the letter as-is, or you can add your own message and edit it. Your story helps elected officials understand the urgency and importance of taking care of people in your state.