Potential Compromises,
New Potential Threats...
Topping this weeks' news is another potential compromise between the House and Senate on the FY11 budget. There's a long way to go to pass a bill by April 8, but Mobilizer readers want to know: what's the current threat to health centers and homeless health care providers? |
Current Status
While full details are still emerging, strong advocacy is needed to protect health care programs for vulnerable people:
- Threats to health center funding: The fight to protect health center funding is not over; in fact it is entering its most critical stage. A $1.0 billion proposed cut to health centers in FY11 remains a very real possibility-this is the time to make your voice heard. If you've already called your representative-please call again! This cut would end all ARRA funding for health centers, leave millions without care, and obstruct the long-standing, bipartisan plan to expand health centers in underserved areas.
- Structural changes to Medicaid: Legislators are proposing a series of changes to the Medicaid program through both the FY12 Budget Resolution and in free-standing legislation. These efforts range from a federal funding cap or block grant to eliminating the requirement that states continue current eligibility levels (known as maintenance of effort, or MOE). These changes would weaken Medicaid, shift costs to the states, and eliminate coverage for those who are poor and sick. These strategies also are designed to halt implementation of the Medicaid expansion under health reform-the very expansion that is so critical to the 70% of HCH clients who are currently uninsured.
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What Happens Next?
The government currently is funded until April 8, so a compromise needs to be reached by the weekend to allow time to draft and pass a bill. A government shutdown remains a possibility. Additionally, the House FY12 Budget Resolution - likely to include one or more of the above changes to Medicaid - is scheduled for introduction in committee on April 4. Analysts expect a vote on the House floor later in the week. Look for an upcoming Mobilizer containing the details of the FY12 budget and a further call to action. |
TAKE ACTION
Call your representatives this week and ask them the following:
On health centers:
· Do they support the cuts to health centers? If they do, urge them to reconsider by using the health center funding justification and the impact of health center cuts documents provided here.
· If they do not support the cuts to health centers ask them to speak to their leadership and fellow caucus members about restoring health center funding in whatever compromise is reached.
On Medicaid changes: Ask them to oppose any structural changes to Medicaid that include block grants, federal caps, or changes to maintenance of effort (MOE) requirements.
Find your legislator at www.house.gov or by calling the Congressional switchboard toll-free: 1-877-210-5351.
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