Disability Voices United ACTION ALERT!

5 WAYS TO STOP CONGRESS FROM GUTTING HEALTH CARE & SERVICES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

# 1 - GET THE FACTS

You thought it was dead? Well, it's come back to life. Next week, the United States Senate is scheduled to vote on another attempt to cut billions of dollars from health care and services for people with disabilities funded by Medicaid. This time it's called the Graham-Cassidy plan, and here are the facts: It would allow health insurance to discriminate against people with pre-existing conditions - that includes autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and developmental disabilities. The measure will cut Medicaid drastically, which means deep cuts to regional center services and IHSS. It eliminates requirements to fund essential benefits, such as behavior therapy and mental health services. What does this mean for you and your family? This could affect everything Medicaid funds for people with disabilities: Medi-Cal health care benefits Supported Living and Independent Living Services Day Programs In-Home Supportive Services - IHSS Respite Transportation Health assistance in public schools, and much more.

You can learn more from the following important national organizations: Center on Budget Policies and Priorities Center for Public Representation National Health Law Program And information about how this will impact California from: Health Access

NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT - BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!

# 2 - THE FRIENDS & FAMILY PLAN

In California, we are lucky to have two U.S. Senators who will fight against these cuts to our health care and services. But there are Senators in other states who are still on the fence, and now is the time to reach out to them. It is important to know that it is only effective to call Senators from your own state. Calling Senators from other states makes no difference and can actually backfire as those offices think that only people outside of their state are opposed. So now is the time to ask yourself, "WHO DO I KNOW IN MAINE... OR ALASKA... OR WEST VIRGINIA... OR ARIZONA... OR OHIO?" Call your friends and family in these states and give them the name of the Senator and number below. Tell them to call and say, "VOTE NO on the Cassidy-Graham Plan because it will cut services to my family member/friend who has a disability." Here are the undecided Senators and their states: -- Sen. Capito - West Virginia - 202-224-6472 -- Sen. Murkowski - Alaska - 202-224-6665 -- Sen. Collins - Maine - 202-224-2523 -- Sen. McCain - Arizona - 202-224-2235 -- Sen. Portman - Ohio - 202-224-3353

NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT - BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!

# 3 - MOVE TO THE HOUSE

If this amendment is passed in the Senate, it will move VERY quickly to the House of Representatives. So we need to start those calls now. Below is a list of Members of Congress i n California who may consider supporting these cuts to Medicaid supported services. If you live in their district -- CALL YOUR MEMBER OF CONGRESS TODAY AND SAY: "Don't support cuts to Medicaid! My family/I need these services to live in the community and have a good life!" Don't know if you live in their district? Click on the red link below to find out. If you don't live in one of these districts, chances are you know someone who does. Call them and ask them to call their Member of Congress today! Rep. Doug LaMalfa (Redding) - 202-225-3076 Rep. Tom McClintock (Elk Grove) - 202-225-2511 Rep. Paul Cook (Yucca Valley) 202.225.5861 Rep. Jeff Denham (Modesto) (202) 225-4540 Rep. David Valadao (Bakersfield) (202) 225-4695 Rep. Devin Nunes (Visalia) (202) 225-2523  Rep. Kevin McCarthy (Bakersfield) (202) 225-2915 Rep. Steve Knight (Santa Clarita/Palmdale) - (202) 225-1956 Rep. Ed Royce (Fullerton) - (202) 225-4111 Rep. Ken Calvert (Corona) - (202) 225-1986  Rep. Mimi Walters (Irvine) - (202) 225-5611 Rep. Dana Rohrbacher (Huntington Beach) - (202) 225-2415 Rep. Darrell Issa (Northern San Diego) - 202.225.3906 Rep. Duncan Hunter (Temecula) - (202) 225-5672

DON'T KNOW WHO YOUR MEMBER OF CONGRESS IS? Find Your Congressmember

NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT - BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!

# 4 - TELL YOUR STORY TODAY

The Senate Finance Committee will be holding a rushed hearing on the Graham Cassidy bill this Monday, September 25, in Washington, DC. It is critical that the the Committee receive strong statements of opposition from organizations and individuals with stories of the devastating impact this would have on people with disabilities and pre-existing conditions.  Groups and individuals can send letters, testimony, video links, photos, stories, etc. regarding the proposed legislation. Send a copy to your U.S. Senator as well. You can submit testimony for Monday's hearing on the Graham/Cassidy plan through the following email or the link below: [email protected].  REMEMBER: Comments must be submitted by 10 am in California on Monday 9/25/2017.

SEND YOUR STORY TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE HERE

NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT - BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!

# 5 - STAY INFORMED

Join the mailing lists and receive action alerts from some of the key organizations on this issue: Center for Public Representation Health Access (California) American Association of People with Disabilities The Arc's Disability Advocacy Network On Monday morning at 11 am PT, you can stream the hearing on the Graham/Cassidy plan in the Senate Finance Committee by clicking on the link below:

WATCH THE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE HEARING

NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT - BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!

Join Disability Voices United in our fight against drastic cuts to Medicaid and our services!

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