The House of Representatives recently passed a budget resolution calling for cuts of at least $880 billion, including significant cuts to Medicaid. Join us in telling Lawmakers—Protect Medicaid and reject these harmful cuts.

 

 

Advocate to Help Save Medicaid

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month—a time to celebrate the contributions of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and advocate for policies and programs that support inclusion and security.

Right now, that advocacy is more necessary and urgent than it has been in a long time.

The House of Representatives in D.C has narrowly passed a budget resolution that proposes at least $880 billion in cuts, including significant cuts targeting Medicaid. Though the exact details are uncertain, we know that these cuts would have devastating consequences, particularly for Hope and the people and families who choose our services.

Medicaid enables Hope to provide Home and Community-Based Services that allow people with disabilities to live independently, receive care in their community of choice, and prevent out-of-state institutionalization. Medicaid enables Hope to provide Home and Community-Based Services, supporting people with disabilities to live independently, receive care in their community of choice, and prevent out-of-state institutionalization. In addition, Medicaid provides health care coverage for the majority of Alaskans with disabilities. If these proposed reductions go through, they will almost certainly lead to longer waiting lists, fewer services, and significant disruptions in care for Alaskans who depend on them. The State of Alaska is not in a fiscal position to make up the difference if the Federal match is cut. 

The time to act is now.

As the budget process moves to the Senate, our voices must be heard. Lawmakers need to understand how these cuts would fundamentally undermine the well-being and independence of people with disabilities.

Strong advocacy is needed in order to make an impact. More than 30,000 messages have already been sent to legislators through advocacy tools, and more than 4,500 non-profits from all 50 states sent an open letter to lawmakers emphasizing the essential role of charitable organizations, including those providing disability services.

Now, we need to build on that momentum.

Ways you can get involved right away:

1. Send a message to Lawmakers: Join the movement and urge our lawmakers to reject these harmful cuts.
2. Use ANCOR’s advocacy tool: In just a few minutes, you can send an email or make a phone call to our federal representatives through ANCOR’s advocacy platform. Messages can be sent multiple times—even daily—to ensure our voices are heard.
3. Write an Op-Ed or Letter to the Editor: Use ANCOR's easy-to-use op-ed template or letter to the editor template to share your thoughts about the need to protect Medicaid funding.
4. Share your story: Personal stories make a huge difference. ANCOR is compiling stories and photos from Alaskans that will be delivered to our congressional delegation in Washington, DC. If Medicaid has impacted your life or the life of someone you love, now is the time to speak up.
5. Join coalition efforts: Hope has signed on to a national letter as part of a broad coalition of Medicaid advocates, and we’re also working with AADD and Alaskans Together for Medicaid to send a joint letter highlighting the policy concerns specific to our state.
6. Join a listening session on March 24 to share your experience with Medicaid: There will be two listening sessions held, one from 10-11am AKST, and one from 5-6pm AKST. This listening session will be led by Guidehouse, an organization that has been tasked by DOH to conduct a LTSS provider rate study, among other Medicaid services. During this listening session, Guidehouse will offer a brief overview of the project, followed by a guided discussion to get your feedback. DOH seeks your thoughts, concerns, and ideas about LTSS as they relate to the rate study.
7. Spread the word: Follow Hope or ANCOR on Facebook and like and share the posts related to this advocacy. Encourage friends, family, and colleagues to also take action. The more people who reach out to Congress, the stronger our collective voice becomes.

This isn’t just about numbers or dollars—this is about real people’s lives.

This Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, please join us in honoring the voices and contributions of people with I/DD by advocating for their right to have access to the services they need.

Your advocacy matters.

 

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