Please note that this Campaign took place in June 2017.

GCDD Save Medicaid!

Join GCDD’s Campaign to #SaveMedicaid!

We advocated so well and so hard that the Senate will not be voting on the Graham-Cassidy bill! This is exciting news and we should all be feeling very proud. That said, we have been here before. We have celebrated only to learn weeks later that a healthcare bill with massive Medicaid cuts is once again being discussed in Washington DC.

We must remain vigilant and move forward cautiously. Continue to remind Congress, both our Representatives and Senators, that healthcare should be a bi-partisan issue and not include cuts to Medicaid. So pat yourself on the back, but don't get too comfortable. We here at GCDD have no doubt there will be more Medicaid threats to come.

GCDD is dedicated to keeping you informed as to what is going on in Washington DC that will affect the healthcare of people with disabilities. Click here for the latest Advocacy News!Download legislative contact sheet

Click here to download the document – "Medicaid in Georgia Explained"

Join GCDD to #SaveMedicaid and advocate for No Cuts! No Caps! so people with disabilities can live in the community. Access our Save Medicaid Toolkit by clicking on the items below:

+ Who to Contact - Your Legislators (social media, phone, email)

US Senator Johnny Isakson
Atlanta Office: 3625 Cumberland Blvd, Suite 970, Atlanta, GA 30339, Tel: (770) 661-0999
Email: https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/email-me
DC Office Tel: (202) 224-3643
Twitter: @SenatorIsakson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/isakson/
Instagram: @SenatorIsakson

US Senator David Perdue

Email: https://www.perdue.senate.gov/connect/email
DC Office Tel: (202) 224-3521
Atlanta Office Tel: (404) 865-0087
Twitter: @SenDavidPerdue 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perduesenate/Instagram@SenDavidPerdue

Georgia Governor Nathan Deal
Email: https://gov.georgia.gov/webform/contact-governor
Phone: 404-656-1776
Fax: (404) 657-7332
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GovernorDeal
Twitter: @GovernorDeal
Instagram: @GovernorDeal


Georgia Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle
Email: https://ltgov.georgia.gov/contact-lt-governor
Phone: (404) 656-5030
Fax: (404) 656-6739
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaseyCagleGa/
Twitter: @CaseyCagle
Instagram:@casey.cagle

+ What to Say - Sample Scripts

Choose from one of the following scripts:

Self-Advocate Script for US Senators Johnny Isakson and David Perdue:

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 for Senators Johnny Isakson and David Perdue:

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)

Self-Advocate Script for Governor Nathan Deal and Lt. Governor Casey Cagle

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 proposed 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 communicate these concerns of Georgians with disabilities to our US Senators and ask them to not to touch Medicaid. Medicaid is a lifeline for living in the community.

Thank you,

(Your Name)

Family Member/Friend Script for Governor Nathan Deal and Lt. Governor Casey Cagle

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 our US Senators and their Health Staff Persons to know that Medicaid is very important to me. (Name of Family Member/Friend)'s Medicaid provides them with (list what they 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 communicate these concerns of Georgians with disabilities to our US Senators and ask them to not to touch Medicaid. Medicaid is a lifeline for living in the community.

Thank you,

(Your Name)


General Script to speak to your State or US legislators

Hello, this is [Name]. I’m a resident of [Town, State] and [I/my child/sister/friend/co-worker etc] is a person with a disability who relies on Medicaid for health care and community support.

The proposed American Health Care Act (AHCA) calls for per capita caps that will result in $834 billion in cuts to Medicaid, leaving 400,00 Georgians with disabilities at risk for losing the services that enable them to live and participate in the community. These caps would hurt Georgia even more than other states because we spend less than other states on our Medicaid program and receive one of the highest match rates from the federal government.

These cuts would be devastating to [me/my child/friend/co-worker] with a disability.

[TELL YOUR PERSONAL STORY about why is Medicaid important to you and what losing services would do to you. See prompts to think about below:

If you or a family member are on Medicaid (including a waiver), what are the most important services to you? What difference has that made in yours and/or your family member’s lives?

  • Access to critical healthcare or therapies
  • Ability to receive in-home supports, residential supports or live independently
  • Ability to work or go to a day program (so your family can work)
What was your and/or your family member’s lives like before receiving Medicaid services?

Are you or a family member on a waitlist for Medicaid services? How would getting services make a difference in your lives?

What would losing services/longer wait list mean for you/your family?]

FOR CALLS TO SENATORS: Please tell [Representative’s Name] to protect services for Georgians with disabilities and vote against the American Health Care Act or any bill that would cut or cap Medicaid. Thank you for taking my call!

FOR CALLS TO STATE OFFICIALS: State officials have recognized that the AHCA would shift billions of dollars of Medicaid costs to the states. Just last week, a number of Republican and Democratic Governors wrote the Senate opposing the AHCA’s Medicaid proposals. Please tell [state official’s name] to urge Senators Isakson and Perdue to protect services for Georgians with disabilities and vote against the American Health Care Act or any bill that would cut or cap Medicaid. Thank you for taking my call!

[IF LEAVING A VOICEMAIL: please leave your full street address and zip code to ensure your call is tallied]

+ Social Media - Infographics to Download


GCDD Twitter save medicaid 1

Download a Save Medicaid Facebook banner or Twitter banner to use on your social media sites.

Download the infographics below to share:
  • Almost 9,000 Georgians with developmental disabilities are on waiting lists for services. Cuts will only make the list longer.
    Download Graphic: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
  • Almost 400,000 Georgians with disabilities use Medicaid services.
    Download Graphic: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
  • 14 Million people nationally will lose Medicaid coverage under the new healthcare bill.
    Download Graphic: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
  • Did You Know? In Georgia, Medicaid is called: CCSP • ICWP • NOW • COMP • EPSDT • SOURCE • GAPP • Katie Beckett
    Download Graphic: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
  • 1 in 5 Georgians depend on Medicaid.
    Download Graphic: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
  • Yearly Cost of Care: $172,280 (institutional facility) vs $28,901 (home or community) Which saves more?
    Download Graphic: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

SaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSave

+ Social Media - Posts for Facebook & Twitter

Use the copy below to post on Facebook or Tweet this week or download a word doc or PDF.

Posts for Monday, June 19, 2017


Twitter:

Twitter AM: The @ussenate is voting on the #AHCA next week! Tweet @SenatorIsakson and tell him to #savemedicaid and #showusthebill! 

Twitter noon: The @ussenate said they aren't getting feedback on the proposed #Medicaid cuts. Time to change that! Go to gcdd.org/save-medicaid for info! 

Twitter PM: In GA, 1 in 5 people depend on #Medicaid! CALL @SenatorIsakson TODAY at 202.224.3643 and tell him to #SaveMedicaid! 

Facebook:

Facebook Post AM: The Senate is currently moving forward with a plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA) before they recess for July 4th. This is not a drill, now is the time to reach out to our legislators and tell them to #SaveMedicaid. Almost 400,000 Georgians with disabilities use Medicaid services; it’s time for us to go to bat for them. Contact @johnnyisakson at 202.224.3643 and tell him to save Medicaid and show us the bill!

Facebook Post PM: Write, call, tweet, post or email your senators and tell them they need to #SaveMedicaid! All the information you need to contact him and Sen. Perdue is at gcdd.org/save-medicaid


Posts for Tuesday, June 20, 2017

Twitter:

Twitter AM: Tell @sendavidperdue the yearly cost of care for ppl w/disabilities is $172K (institution) vs $28K (home). Which saves more? #SaveMedicaid!

Twitter noon: The time is NOW! Contact and tell your legislators to #SaveMedicaid. It’s more to us than just a bill. More info at gcdd.org/save-medicaid

Twitter PM: #DYK: Almost 400,000 Georgians w/disabilities use #Medicaid services! That’s a number they can’t ignore! Make sure @sendavidpurdue doesn’t. 

Facebook:

Facebook Post AM: The Senate will be voting on the American Health Care Act (AHCA) sometime next week, and Georgia stands to lose $33 BILLION is federal funding for Medicaid! Reach out to our US Senators and tell them to #SaveMedicaid! Get more information on how you can be heard at gcdd.org/save-medicaid

Facebook Post PM: The yearly cost of care for people with disabilities in their homes or in the community is $28,901. With the cuts to Medicaid, many of those same people could be put in institutions. Email, tweet, post on Facebook call Sens. Perdue and Isakson and tell them to #SaveMedicaid! Right now the bill is being discussed behind closed doors as well, it is our right for them to show us the bill! Go to gcdd.org/save-medicaid for information.


Posts for Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Twitter:

Twitter AM: 30+ million low-income children rely on benefits to live. That’s a good reason to #SaveMedicaid! Get more info at gcdd.org/save-medicaid

Twitter noon: It will take all of us to #SaveMedicaid! @GovernorDeal needs to do his part as well! Contact him to help us reach out to legislators! 

Twitter PM: Light up @GovernorDeal 's phones and let him know that we are going to #SaveMedicaid. You can contact his office at 404.656.1776. 

Facebook:

Facebook Post AM: In @governordeal’s Georgia, almost 9,000 people with disabilities are on waiting lists for services. Cutting Medicaid will only make those lists grow longer. Tell Governor Deal to help us reach out to Congress and #savemedicaid. No cuts, no caps in Georgia! Call him at 404.656.1776 TODAY!

Facebook Post PM: We need YOUR help! The Senate is moving forward on their plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA) – which includes over $800 billion in cuts to Medicaid! For many in Georgia, Medicaid is their lifeline. Let’s keep it that way. Write, tweet, post to Facebook and call Governor Deal and tell him to help us #SaveMedicaid!

Go to gcdd.org/save-medicaid for all the information you need.


Posts for Thursday, June 22, 2017

Twitter:

Twitter AM: 14 MILLION people will LOSE #Medicaid coverage under the #AHCA. It's time they #showusthebill! More info at gcdd.org/save-medicaid

Twitter noon: It doesn't stop with the Governor! Contact Lt. Gov. @CaseyCagle and tell him that caps & cuts are devastating for #PwDs!! #savemedicaid

Twitter PM: Rally the troops! Have them call, tweet, email and write our legislators to tell them to #SaveMedicaid! All the info at gcdd.org/save-medicaid

Facebook:

Facebook Post AM: The US Senate plans to vote on repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) with the American Health Care Act (AHCA). Reach out to your legislators and tell them that YOU want to #SaveMedicaid as well as help those with disabilities in Georgia and their families continue to be an integral part in their communities. Tell everyone you know to call/email/tweet/post to their legislators, both in the Senate and here at home. We are all Georgians today.

Facebook Post PM: Call Lt. Gov. @caseycagle’s office today at 404.656.6739 and tell him to help us #SaveMedicaid. Medicaid is important for almost 400,000 Georgians with disabilities that rely on these services. All of us need to come together and #SaveMedicaid! For more information and how to contact other Georgia legislators, go to gcdd.org/save-medicaid


Posts for Friday, June 23, 2017

Twitter:

Twitter AM: Medicaid in GA consists of #CCSP, #ICWP, #NOW, #COMP, #EPSDT, #SOURCE, #GAPP, & #KatieBeckett. So tell @SenatorIsakson to #SaveMedicaid!

Twitter noon: The @ussenate said they aren't getting feedback on the proposed #Medicaid cuts. Let's change that! Go to gcdd.org/save-medicaid for info! 

Twitter PM: Someone you know is going to be affected by the cuts to #Medicaid. Tell @SenatorIsakson to #savemedicaid! 202.224.3643. Make his phone ring! 

Facebook:

Facebook Post AM: If Medicaid is gutted with the proposed cuts and caps, Georgia stands to lose $33 BILLION. Much of that money goes to help the elderly, people with disabilities and low-income children in Georgia! Rally together with your family, friends, colleagues and neighbors and contact @johnnyisakson and tell him to #SaveMedicaid. Georgia depends on it! You can go to gcdd.org/save-medicaid for all Senator Isakson and Senator Perdue’s information.

Facebook Post PM: Did you know that Medicaid supports kids with disabilities so they can get the free, appropriate education they deserve? We all deserve equal opportunities to succeed, so tell the US Senate to #SaveMedicaid! If you don’t know how or who to contact, go to gcdd.org/save-medicaid for contact information, scripts and more to have your voice heard!

+ Access the Press - Sample Press Release

Copy and paste the Sample Press Release below, or download either the Word Document or PDF

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Georgians with Disabilities Launch the No Cuts! No Caps!
Campaign to #SaveMedicaid
New campaign brings attention to over $800 billion in cuts to Medicaid

June XXX, 2017 (YOUR CITY, GA) – Georgians with disabilities, together with agencies, organizations and nonprofits who serve them, have launched the No Cuts! No Caps! campaign to bring to attention to the $834 billion cuts to Medicaid in the House-passed American Health Care Act (AHCA) and being considered by the Senate.

One in five Georgians depend on Medicaid services. Medicaid provides approximately 400,000 people with disabilities in Georgia with access to critical care that helps them live, work and participate in their communities. This includes personal care services, specialized therapies, mental health services, special education services, respite care and employment supports. These critical services are not available under private insurance.  

INSERT QUOTE FROM ORGANIZATION’S LEADERSHIP

The AHCA proposes to drastically cut federal Medicaid to states, including through “per capita caps.” Georgia will be disproportionally hurt by these caps because of the state’s low Medicaid spending. The State is 50th in Medicaid spending on people with disabilities combined with it having one of the highest federal match rates - 68.5% of all of Georgia’s Medicaid costs are paid by the federal government.

The loss of billions of dollars in federal Medicaid funding could lead to service reductions, longer waitlists, and cuts in provider reimbursement rates. Home and community based services (HCBS) are most at risk because they are optional.

The campaign, being led by the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities, hopes to bring attention to US Senators Johnny Isakson and David Perdue about the importance of Medicaid for Georgians with disabilities.

For more information on Georgia’s No Cuts! No Caps! #SaveMedicaid campaign, visit www.gcdd.org/save-medicaid

About [Your Organization]: 

MEDIA CONTACT:

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION

+ Additional Resources

Check out these other resources:

CPR Medicaid websiteJoin the Fight to Protect Medicaid now!

These next few days it is very critical that people speak up on the federal level and continue to do so on the importance of protecting Medicaid and Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) for people with disabilities.

10 million Americans with disabilities are at risk of losing the services that enable them to live and participate in the community.

Check out this informative website, http://medicaid.publicrep.org/ to join the fight!

Click here to see the Georgia specific action page.

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