UPDATE: Take Action to Protect Medicaid!

UPDATE: Take Action to Protect Medicaid

Senate Republican leadership has created a self-imposed July 4 deadline to pass the One Big Beautiful bill that would make major cuts to Medicaid, resulting in some of our most vulnerable populations’ healthcare needs being severely diminished or dropped entirely. Leadership is trying to move fast but there is still resistance from a few key party members who are concerned, among other things, about cuts to Medicaid and what it will mean for their states.The Senate could vote within weeks on this bill, and right now, your voice can make a real difference!

For many small nonprofits, rural hospitals, and community clinics, Medicaid funding is what keeps the doors open. At this moment, if the Senate passes this bill as written, millions of people across the country could lose access to:

  • Mental health and substance use treatment
  • Long-term care and supportive housing services
  • Preventive care for children, seniors, and people with disabilities

 

What YOU Can Do to Protect Medicaid

Now is the time to speak up to protect Medicaid! Here are concrete actions you can take to protect this critical safety net:

  1. Call Your Senator
  • If you live in a swing state or have a moderate GOP senator, it is important that you call!
  • Even if you have a Senator who has pledged not to vote for the bill, your voice and stories are still needed! Congressmen need stories of regular, everyday people to show the effects and costs of harmful cuts for Medicaid and other programs.
  • Urge them to oppose Medicaid cuts in the reconciliation bill.
  • Tell them how Medicaid impacts your community, your family, or your work.

You can call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121.

Sample call script:

“Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent from [Your City, State].

I’m calling to ask Senator [Last Name] to oppose any version of the One Big Beautiful Bill that cuts Medicaid or adds harmful restrictions like new work requirements or federal funding caps.[Insert brief personal story or connection here–e.g., work in behavioral health, has a family member on Medicaid, rely on Medicaid personally]. Medicaid is critical in our state, especially for people with mental illness, disabilities, seniors, and low-income families. This bill would devastate access to care and harm our most vulnerable neighbors.

I also urge the Senator to speak with their colleagues about the importance of protecting Medicaid and working together to ensure these cuts do not make it through.Thank you for your time.”

 

  1. Share Your Story
  • Personal stories make a huge impact! They underline that these issues affect real people and help to give politicians “cover” for their stances.
  • Post on social media, write a letter to the editor to your local paper (be sure to mention lawmakers by name!), or email your senator directly!

 

Sample email:

Dear Senator [Last Name],

I’m writing to urge you to oppose any version of the One Big Beautiful Bill that includes cuts to Medicaid or imposes new restrictions that would make it harder for people to receive important care.

As someone who [Insert brief personal connection—e.g., work in behavioral health, has a family member on Medicaid, rely on Medicaid personally], I know the essential role Medicaid plays in keeping our communities safe, stable, and healthy.

Medicaid is not just a line item in the budget, it’s a lifeline for:

  • Seniors needing long-term care
  • People with disabilities and mental illness
  • Working families and low-income adults
  • Rural hospitals and clinics that depend on Medicaid funding to stay open

This bill’s proposed changes—like reducing reimbursement rates to providers and increasing work eligibility requirements—would hurt the people who can least afford to lose care.

Please stand up for your constituents and ensure Medicaid is protected.

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your City/State]

 

  1. Join Local Advocacy Efforts
  • Many local health and housing nonprofits are organizing rallies, call-in days, and public education campaigns.
  • Get involved and ask how you can help amplify the message!

Don’t know where to start? Check out NAMI, Arc of King County, or Medicare Rights.

 

  1. Donate to or Volunteer with Organizations

Medicaid cuts hit the hardest at the community level—support organizations like TR who are providing care to low-income adults and people with disabilities.

 

  1. Educate your Community and Encourage Others to Take Action!

Help others understand the people that Medicaid helps and why it matters. Encourage them to take the actions that you have taken to help protect Medicaid!