John,

CHN Action and our coalition partners just wrapped up a 24 hour vigil where we were joined by advocates, impacted community members, and members of Congress to send one clear message: protect Medicaid.

Republicans in Congress are debating hundreds of billions in cuts to Medicaid and other basic needs programs. These cuts would devastate 78 million people who rely on Medicaid to access health care.

Medicaid is not just a line item in a budget―it's a lifeline for millions of people and families. Medicaid is critical to the well-being of older adults, children, people with disabilities, family caregivers, care workers, and families in EVERY community and district. These cuts would take health care away from disabled children, force rural hospitals and nursing homes to close, shutter drug treatment programs and reduce access to mental health services, and make it harder for everyone to access the health care they need. Now more than ever, it’s critical to protect health care, nutrition, and other essential services that help millions of families meet their basic needs. We should be strengthening support for these programs―not taking it away.

Congress is fast-tracking cruel legislation that would rip the heart out of programs for Americans who need support, with House leaders looking to pass a trillion-dollar budget package by the end of the month. Republican lawmakers in Washington are moving too far, too fast―but it’s not too late to change course. Instead of cutting basic needs programs, Congress should focus on helping Americans who need support.

We must keep up the pressure before an anticipated committee vote next week. Send a direct message to Congress telling them to protect Medicaid and reject any cuts to basic needs programs in current budget negotiations.

Thank you for all you do,

Meredith Dodson
Senior Public Policy Director, CHN Action

-- DEBORAH'S EMAIL --

John,

As of December 2024, there are 78.5 million people enrolled in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)[1], and millions are at risk of losing health care coverage if House Republicans get their way and cut $880 billion in lifesaving care―all to extend tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy.

Medicaid is not just a line item in a budget―it's a lifeline for tens of millions of people and families. But House leadership is working hard to finalize a budget package that will gut basic needs programs. Slashing billions from Medicaid and food assistance would cause millions of low-income people, children, seniors, and people with disabilities to suffer. That’s why we’re joining our coalition partners for a 24-hour vigil outside the U.S. Capitol, where advocates and people from impacted communities will share how Medicaid cuts will harm them.

The vigil begins at 1 PM ET/10 AM PST today. Click here to watch it live.

During the 24-hour vigil, we’ll be sharing stories about the impact that Medicaid has on our communities and our families―right at the doorstep of Congress as they prepare to vote on their proposals to make harsh cuts. We’ll be joined by movement leaders and elected officials such as Representatives Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), and Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Ron Wyden (D-OR), who are scheduled to attend.

To deny people access to essential health care while extending or expanding tax cuts for the wealthy and major corporations is immoral and dangerous. Extending the 2017 Trump tax scam would cost roughly $5 trillion over 10 years, while severely cutting Medicaid funding could cost lives.

Join us to stop this unscrupulous attack on Medicaid and other basic needs programs and instead work to strengthen our health systems so people can afford the care they need.

Send a direct message to Congress urging them to hear our voices and reject cuts to Medicaid.

Thank you for all you do,

Deborah Weinstein
Executive Director, CHN Action

¹ Medicaid Enrollment and Unwinding Tracker