Save Medicaid: Call & Educate Senator Isakson & Perdue Today!

GCDD Email Advocacy Alert 1702
No Cuts! No Caps! #SaveMedicaid

Advocates, thank you to everyone that participated in last Tuesday's "Don't Cap Our Care" Day.

The work has only just begun though. We are hearing from our partners in Washington DC that the Senate is moving quickly to draft and vote. We believe the Senate will be voting on the American Health Care Act (AHCA) this month!

While we don't know specifics, we are hearing it may have very similar cuts to Medicaid. The next few weeks are critical for you to raise your voice.

Many people get nervous and don't know what to say to the Senator's staff when they go for in-person meetings or call on the phone. Remember though, all you have to do is share your story and YOU are the expert on YOUR STORY.

A sample script is below. Calling or visiting in person are best, but email and tweeting are also valuable.

You can Call Senator Isakson at (202) 224-3643. Ask to speak with his Health Staffer Will Dent, or email Will at . You can also tweet at @SenatorIsakson

You can call Senator Perdue at (202) 224-3521. Ask to speak with his Health Staffer, or email John at . You can also tweet at @sendavidperdue

To learn more about the proposed changes to Medicaid under the AHCA, visit http://gcdd.org/aca-medicaid-advocates-call-to-action.html



Self-Advocate Script:

Hi, my name is (your name) and I am your constituent.

I live in (your town) and I have a disability.

I need to talk to you about the American Health Care Act. I know it passed the House of Representatives last month and is right now being discussed in the Senate.

I need the Senator to know that Medicaid is very important to me. My Medicaid provides me with (list what you get from Medicaid).

(As examples, you might say: physical therapy, caregiver to help dress/bathe/eat, supported employment, medical equipment…)

I don't know what I would do if my Medicaid was cut or reduced in any way. I might have to move into an institutional setting to receive the care I need since providing care in the community is optional for states.  I want to live, work, and receive care in my community.

I am a very concerned that Per Capita Caps, which will cut over $800 billion from Medicaid, will mean that I won't have my Medicaid or get less support through my Medicaid in the future.

Please tell the Senator not to touch my Medicaid. Medicaid is my lifeline for living in the community.

Thank you,

(Your Name)


Family Member/Friend Script:

Hi, my name is (your name) and I am your constituent.   

I live in (your city). I want to tell you about (name of your family member/friend) who has a disability. They rely on Medicaid to make sure they can live in the community and not in an institution.

I need to talk to you about the American Health Care Act. I know it passed the House of Representatives last month and is right now being discussed in the Senate.

I need the Senator and his Health Staff Person to know that Medicaid is very important to me. (Name of Family Member/Friend)'s Medicaid provides them with (list what you get from Medicaid).

(As examples, you might say: physical therapy, caregiver to help dress/bathe/eat, supported employment, medical equipment…)

I don't know what they would do if their Medicaid was cut or reduced in any way. I am very concerned they might be forced into an institutional setting to receive the care they need since providing care in the community is optional for states.  

I am a very concerned that Per Capita Caps, which will cut over $800 billion from Medicaid, will mean that they won't be able to live in the community because their Medicaid will be cut or reduced.

Please tell the Senator not to touch Medicaid. Medicaid is the lifeline of Georgians with disabilities living in the community.

Thank you,

(Your name)