NDLA and NCIL Action Alert! (Thurs, July 14) - Urge Congress to Reform, Not Cut Medicaid

Urge Congress to Reform, Not Cut, Medicaid	Take Action!
Support Medicaid Reform that Promotes Independent Living
Call your Senators and Congressional Representative Toll Free at 866-324-0787 today using the talking points below, and then Take Action to email your message too! BACKGROUND The National Council on Independent Living and independent living advocates from around the country are marching, rallying and meeting TODAY with their Senators and Representatives in Washington, D.C. and they need YOUR help to deliver a strong message that we need real Medicaid reform, not arbitrary cuts. We need Medicaid reform that contains costs, but Medicaid cuts shouldn’t be arbitrary and Medicaid reform should protect the civil rights of seniors and people with disabilities.  We need reform that frees people from unwanted confinement in costly institutions and reforms Medicaid to benefit all Americans. Congress needs to hear that there is strong opposition to arbitrary reductions to the Medicaid program and strong support for measures that contain costs while promoting the health, independence and civil rights of seniors and people with disabilities. TAKE ACTION 1. Call the Congressional switchboard toll-free NOW at 1-866-324-0787. 2. Send an email directly to your Senators and Representative demanding REAL Medicaid reform and opposing ARBITRARY Medicaid cuts. TALKING POINTS Tell Congress to oppose arbitrary cuts to Medicaid that hurt seniors and people with disabilities and support meaningful Medicaid reforms that save money by: Refocusing Medicaid spending away from higher cost institutional placements to meet beneficiary preferences for lower cost, preferred home and community-based services; Reducing the costly medical bias in long-term services and supports and placing greater emphasis on the necessary functions for daily living; Expanding consumer-directed service options and engaging beneficiaries more fully and effectively in their own care decisions; Increasing care coordination of services for Medicare-Medicaid dual eligible beneficiaries; and Reorganizing Medicaid to eliminate wasteful bureaucratic duplication and realign services based on functional needs. Congress needs to hear from you NOW.