Action Alert from NCIL

TAKE ACTION NOW TO PROTECT MEDICAID AND HOME AND COMMUNITY BASED SERVICES!

ACT NOW: Urge your Senators to support the extension of the FMAP increase

Background

Recently, Congress tried to pass a revised jobs bill (H.R. 4213) that would bring some much-needed relief to states by extending the FMAP (Federal Medical Assistance Percentage). Without the extension of the Medicaid FMAP increase to states, many programs and services for people with disabilities will be in further jeopardy because many states are relying heavily on these funds. Since Congress did NOT pass an extension of the increase in the federal medical assistance percentage, many states may be forced to cut the funding from their programs like home and community based services prohibiting people with disabilities from living independently within the community.

Since most states have already budgeted the FMAP Extension into their FY 2011 Budgets and start their 2011 fiscal years this week, states are in desperate need of funding to keep their programs running.

IL Advocates must make their voices heard to get the FMAP extension passed very soon.

Take Action

Please call your Senators' district offices during the Independence Day recess (July 2-12) and tell them to support the FMAP increase extension.

Call now and urge your Senator for a six-month Medicaid FMAP extension!

Talking Points

* May I please speak to the staff person who covers health?

* I am calling to urge Senator _________________ to do everything possible to ensure that a Medicaid FMAP extension is passed.

* People with disabilities depend on Medicaid. Without an extension of the Medicaid FMAP increase, people with disabilities will lose vital services like home and community based services that allow people with disabilities to live independently.