Dear Health Advocates,
As you know, yesterday was a flurry of news and questions about President Trump’s order to freeze trillions of dollars of federal funding that impact all aspects of American life – including critical, bipartisan programs that children and families rely on.
As of now, there is a stay on the freeze after a U.S. District judge blocked this order from taking effect; funds are going out as normal. Still, we know the White House’s decision has already disrupted Medicaid portals and programs, causing massive confusion and concern yesterday afternoon.
The whiplash is frustrating, chaotic and dangerous, yet we know it is part of the playbook. Showing loud, public opposition is a key way to ensure that the administration and Congress are aware that advocates are monitoring their actions and are ready to engage, respond and mobilize when they overreach.
To that end, it is valuable to continue reaching out to your Congressional delegations to highlight your concerns with the freeze on federal funding and the impact it could have in your state. Here are a few resources that can support your actions – and thank you for your efforts:
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You can find the number for your member of Congress here or call Congressional Switchboard (202) 224-3121.
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You can read Families USA’s statement here. Please feel free to share it with your networks or use it as your organization crafts your own.
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You can let us know if you are interested in speaking to a reporter about what you are experiencing on the ground. We have been in touch with reporters who are looking to speak with state-based advocates. Please reach out to Kasey Hampton, FUSA Communications Director at [email protected] if you are interested.
Additional highlights to share
Affordability Agenda
Through a series of roundtable discussions with national policy experts, state advocates and stakeholder organizations, Families USA identified substantial gaps in oversight governing the Medicaid managed care system. This new policy agenda outlines common sense proposals that would bring transparency and accountability to Medicaid managed care to ensure this system of care delivery lives up to its promise to lower costs and deliver high-quality care to the 66 million Americans that depend on it. Read more here.
Upcoming Day of Action/Call-In Day for Medicaid Defense: Feb 6
Please join Families USA, Community Catalyst, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), and NHeLP on Friday, January 31st from 2:00 – 2:30 p.m. ET to prepare for an upcoming Day of Action/Call-In Day for Medicaid Defense with advocates across the country.
During the prep call we’ll discuss the following – and how to make it clear to policymakers that Medicaid saves lives, cutting funding will take away critical care from those who need it most, and we are saying “Hands off Medicaid.”
- Details about the February 6th Day of Action and continued outreach to Congress;
- Resources and ways to mobilize your communities and coalitions into action (e.g., call/email script, template fact sheet, template press release, social media toolkit, etc.); and
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State partners experiences planning a successful day of action.
Register here for our January 31st prep call at 2:00-2:30 p.m. ET so you can prepare for February 6th.
And finally, thank you to those of you who joined us at our 30th Annual Health Action Conference!
You can find more on all of this below, along with this week’s new opportunities and resources:
