Medicaid Cuts Could Impact Bleeding Disorder Care – Take Action Now!
Dear Community Members,
We need your voice now more than ever. The House of Representatives has narrowly passed a budget proposal (217-215) that includes significant cuts of 2 Trillion dollars to Medicaid and food assistance programs. If this budget is enacted, it could jeopardize access to life-saving treatments for people with rare bleeding disorders who rely on Medicaid.
What This Means for Our Community
Medicaid covers essential treatments, including clotting factor therapies, home infusions, and specialist care.
Cuts to Medicaid could lead to higher out-of-pocket costs, delays in care, and reduced access to necessary medications.
The proposal is not final yet, the Senate still needs to vote which is happening in a few weeks!
What You Can Do Right Now
1. Call Your Senators and Representatives
Why Contact Both Senators and Representatives?
Senators: The budget proposal will soon be deliberated in the Senate. Expressing your concerns to your Senators can influence their stance and vote on the matter. Every state, regardless of size, has two U.S. Senators.
You can find your Senators contact information here: U.S. Senate Directory
Representatives: Although the House has already passed the proposal, ongoing communication with your Representative is essential. They can play a role in subsequent negotiations and amendments, and it’s important they understand the impact of these cuts on their constituents. The number of U.S. House Representatives per state is based on population, with each state having at least one. More populous states have more Representatives (such as California, which has 52 representatives)
For your Representative in the House: Find Your Representative
Or call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121, and an operator will connect you directly to your Senators’ or Representative’s offices.
When contacting your legislators, consider the following points:
Introduce Yourself: State your name and that you’re a constituent from [Your City/State].
State the Issue: Express concern about the proposed budget cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs.
Personalize Your Message: Share how these cuts could specifically impact you or your loved ones, especially regarding access to treatments for bleeding disorders.
Call to Action: Urge them to oppose any budget that includes cuts to these vital programs.
Sample Script
“Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I am a constituent from [Your City/State]. I am deeply concerned about the proposed budget cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs, as they would severely impact individuals with bleeding disorders who rely on these services for essential treatments and support. I urge [Senator/Representative] [Last Name] to oppose any budget that includes cuts to these vital programs. Thank you.
2. Spread the Word
Share This Information:
Use social media platforms, email, and community forums to inform others about the potential impact of these cuts.
Encourage friends, family, and other community members to contact their Senators.
3. Share Your Story
Personal Testimonials:
If you or a loved one has been positively impacted by Medicaid, consider sharing your story.
Personal experiences can powerfully illustrate the importance of Medicaid to our community.
We cannot afford to wait. Decisions are being made now that will impact our community for years to come. Let’s stand together and fight for the care we deserve.
Note
Active votes concerning the proposed budget cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs, the following positions were recorded:
Senate Vote:
• Republican Opposition: Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky was the ONLY Republican to vote against the budget resolution.
• Democratic Opposition: All Democratic Senators voted against the resolution; none supported it.
House of Representatives Vote:
• Republican Opposition: Representative Thomas Massie of West Virginia was the ONLY Republican to oppose the budget proposal.
• Democratic Opposition: All Democratic Representatives voted against the proposal; none supported it.